Jennifer Andersen

Jennifer Marie Andersen (Rodriguez) and infant daughter, Jasmine Jean McNair

Jennifer Marie Andersen, age 39 of Hugo, Minnesota, passed away on July 5, 2021 at Abbott Northwestern Hospital in Minneapolis from COVID-19 complications.  While hospitalized, Jennifer’s daughter, Jasmine Jean McNair, came into the world the evening of July 4, 2021 stillborn due to COVID-19 complications.  Jennifer was able to hold her precious Jasmine and witness her baptism prior to her own passing.

Jennifer was born in St. Paul to Barb and Richard Rodriguez on July 12, 1981 and graduated from White Bear Lake High School in 1999.  She worked as a Resident Assistant for Presbyterian Homes for 13 years where she cared for and comforted many in their final years.  In early 2019, Jennifer also started her own housecleaning business.

Jennifer had a special love for water and dolphins; she was also part of the diving team in high school. She cherished her many long-term friendships, was given the nickname of “Choo choo” by them for her strong and active spirit.  She was always up for a dance party even if it was in her living room. Jennifer simply enjoyed being around her friends, creating fun memories no matter what they were doing.

Jennifer was a kind soul with a big heart; she cared for others unconditionally, seeing the good in so many. She was passionate about living life, being loved and loving those she cared about. She wore her heart on her sleeve never being shy about her emotions. She understood the value of prioritizing time with family and friends, embracing small and big adventures and enjoying the simple things in life. Jennifer recently was a loving caretaker to her mother who lost her battle with cancer in early February 2021.

Being a mother was Jennifer’s proudest accomplishment. She worked tirelessly to ensure her girls had everything they needed.  She was often found planning fun activities from outdoor movie nights to arts and crafts. Her camera roll flooded with pictures of her girls, even during quiet days at home, which proved she recognized how special every moment was.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Jean Rodriguez.  Survived by her father, Richard Rodriguez; daughters, Marriana Arneson and Abigail McNair; siblings, Michaun Malik, Chris Freas, Matthew (Stacy) Rodriguez, Jacob (Dawn) Rodriguez and Katie (Cole) Lowell and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral mass will be held for Jennifer, Jasmine and Barb Rodriguez at the Church of St. Mary in St. Paul, MN on Thursday, July 22nd at 10:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at the American Legion in Hugo starting at noon.