Jennifer Lynn Thomas, 65, of the Traverse City area, passed away peacefully in her home on January 5, 2026, on the Old State Hospital grounds.

Born on December 19, 1960, in the Traverse City area, Jennifer lived her entire life in the community she loved. She graduated from Ferris State University in 1993, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Nursing with highest honors. Jennifer devoted her professional life to the care of others, serving for many years as a Registered Nurse at Munson Medical Center, and later concluding her career as a traveling nurse throughout the state of Michigan.

Jennifer was a committed Christian and grew up attending Bayview Wesleyan Church, where her faith was established and remained an important part of her life. She was known for her compassion, dedication, and quiet strength. Jennifer had a deep appreciation for local history, and living on the Old State Hospital grounds was the fulfillment of a long-held dream. Above all, she deeply loved her children and grandchildren, who were the center of her life and her greatest joy.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her father, Gerald Paul Olson.

She is survived by her mother, Maxine Lorraine Olson (Beeman); her children, Shawna Marie Seitter, James Lee Thomas III, and Christopher James Thomas; her grandchildren, Lauren Maxine Seitter and Grant Thomas Seitter; and her brothers, Paul Olson, Jeff Olson, and Karl Olson.

Services will be announced at a later date.

Those wishing to honor Jennifer's memory may do so through thoughts, prayers, and shared memories on this online memorial.

"Jesus told her, 'I am the resurrection and the life. Anyone who believes in me will live, even after dying. Everyone who lives in me and believes in me will never ever die.'" — John 11:25-26