
Jennifer Lynn (Bernitt) Doan, known affectionately as Jen, passed away unexpectantly on the evening of June 30, 2024, in Tampa, Florida, at the age of 41. Jen was born on January 30, 1983 at MacDill AFB, Tampa, Florida. She traveled the world with her parents and siblings, living and schooling in Germany, Arizona, Korea, Hawaii, Florida, Ohio, and Oklahoma. This global exposure shaped her persona, giving her a bright spirit and a warm heart.
After high school, Jen’s passion gravitated toward a love of nursing while working with the elderly as a CNA in Oklahoma. There she also attended classes at Rose Community College and Moore Norman Community College, where she received her nursing degree – all while pregnant with her first child Natalie, born just after graduation. Her small military family was then off to Lompoc, California where she tested and began her career as a Licensed Practical Nurse. Within a short 3 years her second child, Emelyn, was born.
After California, the Doan family packed their bags and moved to Hawaii, where Kyle, her third child, was born and she was a stay-at-home Mom. As the children grew, so did her desire to get back to nursing. After a short move to a new home in Ewa Beach, Jen got an opportunity to first work at Tripler Army Medical Center, then to her dream job at Warrior Ohana Medical Center, where she thrived and made life-long friends with the Warrior Ohana staff. Jen’s commitment to nursing was not just a profession, but a calling, as she passionately cared for her patients with empathy and skill and truly loved her friends and co-workers.
In May 2023, Jen set a new goal to continue the next step in her nursing career, moving back to her birthplace of Tampa, Florida. There she gained a loving and caring family support system for her and the children. After settling in the area, she began schooling at Galen College of Nursing in Clearwater, FL, seeking a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. She worked very hard and was doing well in her classes. She had just completed her Spring term and was entering a hard-earned summer break when God reached out and called her to his kingdom.
Those who knew Jen will fondly remember her great sense of humor, and fierce love she held for her children and family. Her interests were diverse and vibrant; she enjoyed swimming, surfing, listening to music, food, culture and the arts. Jen also cherished moments spent watching movies and being silly with her children, making every moment count with laughter and joy.
Jen is survived by her adoring children, Natalie, Emelyn, and Kyle Doan; her loving parents, Pamela and Gregory Bernitt; and her siblings, Paula Gower, Spencer Jones, and Amelia (Amy) Lightner, who will miss her deeply.
A memorial service to celebrate Jen’s life on earth will be held
Saturday, July 6th from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm EST at Compassionate Cremations, located at 14506 N. Florida Ave., Tampa, FL 33613.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to one or both of the following charities:
· The Task Force for Global Health (https://www.taskforce.org/)
· Americares (https://www.americares.org/)
Jenny.
You were such a great friend, though I didn’t know you that long. I will miss our almost daily conversations about all our tribulations of life. Love you forever.
Lisa
Dearest Jen, I will miss our random goofy conversations, to the deepest life changing ones. We shared so much of our lives with each other and built so many great memories together, that I know I will be reminded of you each day in some way. I will never forget the amazing person you have been in my life; an amazing friend, mother to your children, aunty to my kids and a beam of light to so many you came into contact with. I will forever cherish the friendship you gave me and will replay the sound of your laughter in my mind.
Until we meet again. Love, your “soul sister,” Tiffany
Everyone could see the compassion you had for your patients and for your friends. I loved you like a daughter and was very grateful you were on our team at Warrior O’hana. I’m saddened by your passing, Jen, but know you are with your Savior now surrounded by his everlasting love! I’m praying your kids will know how much you influenced for good all those people you came into contact with, and that God’s peace and love will always guide them to their destiny here. Until we meet again.
Dr. Rebecca Raelson-Skonicki
I will miss our nerding out talks so much , your laughter and all the fun times we had. You taught me so much about caring for people and trying new things. I pray your kids will remember all the good times and loving memories you had with them. May your light shine bright in heaven. Until we meet again my friend.
Jen was a great nurse and an amazing person. I enjoyed my time working with her. She always made work fun and kept a smile on her face. I pray for divine comfort and healing for her children and family. Rest in ❤️.