Jennifer Lynn Bayer

Jennifer L. Bayer, age 53, of Fort Worth, Texas, formerly of Appleton, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2025, following a hard-fought battle with Parkinson’s disease and Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative illness. Known to her family as Jen and to many friends and caregivers as Jenny, she was surrounded by her beloved cat Taco, devoted friends, family, caregivers, and hospice nurses.

Jen was born on March 27, 1972, in Appleton, WI, and was the daughter of James and Muriel (Drier) Bayer.

Jen earned a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Wisconsin–Eau Claire and dedicated 29 years of service to My Health My Resources (MHMR) of Tarrant County, TX, beginning in 1996. Over the course of her career, she held many prominent positions: Court Liaison (1996–2007), Continuity of Care Coordinator – Mental Health (2007–2011), Program Manager II – Mental Health Indirect (2011–2016), Assistant Director of Mental Health (2016–2018), Director of Continuity of Care (2018–2024), and Systems Director of Continuity of Care (2024–2025).

Jen devoted her life’s work to the well-being of others. Her leadership and dedication helped bridge courts and judges with state hospitals and jails to serve the best interests of vulnerable clients. She was highly respected and deeply valued by her staff and colleagues.

From an early age, Jen’s love for animals was an essential part of her life. She grew up with several dogs, cared for cats throughout her adult life, and generously supported animal and wildlife charities. Her cats Joe and Mel were the center of her world, and after their passing, she adopted Taco, who became her closest companion and greatest supporter. He was by her side throughout this cruel illness.

Prior to her illness, Jen was very active and participated in many marathons and fun runs, including the NYC Turkey Trot with her friend David Do. She was a long time member of Camp Gladiator and enjoyed taking on many fitness challenges there. A proud Wisconsin native, Jen was also an avid Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers fan.

Jen found great joy through music, and she especially loved Alta Falls, an indie electro-pop band from Brisbane, Australia. Through their global online fan community, Jen formed close, meaningful relationships with both the band members and fellow fans, and she served as a moderator during their live streams on TikTok and other platforms. The band sent her care packages during her illness, which meant so much to Jen, and in July they shared a private video call with her,

singing “Trust Me,” her favorite song. It was a very special moment for Jen and for the band, who expressed their love and appreciation for her support from the very beginning.

Jen loved to travel, taking cruises with her friend Cris McLaughlin and trips with her friend David Do. She was blessed with many loyal friends, both personal and professional, who remained by her side throughout her life.

During her illness, Jen was supported by a devoted circle of family and friends. Her cherished friends Cris McLaughlin and Chad Vickers provided unfailing support, love, and comfort. Chad was a constant presence, attending to her daily needs. David Do and Doug Segars also provided love and support, as did childhood friends Stephanie Wentland and Jodi Mecca, representing Jen’s Wisconsin community of friends.

Some of Jen’s cousins from Appleton, WI, made frequent trips to be with her in person, offering ongoing presence, care, and companionship throughout her illness, and continued to aid in her care and needs from a distance when they were not able to be there in person. Jen would laugh at her friends lovingly referring to one of her cousins as the “Warden”, as she made sure things were in order and done accordingly.

Jen was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Arlington, TX, and Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Appleton, WI. Her Arlington pastor, Pastor Kevin Mau, along with church member Susan Tate, provided deep comfort and spiritual support during her illness. The family extends heartfelt gratitude for their compassion and presence.

Jen was an only child. She is survived by her beloved cat Taco, her Aunt Margie Hinchley, and her Aunt Joyce Drier, along with many cousins and close friends who were like family to her. She was preceded in death by her parents, James and Muriel Bayer, and her beloved cats Joe and Mel.

In accordance with Jen’s wishes, two memorial services will be held.

The Texas memorial service will take place on January 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at Emerald Hills Funeral Home, 500 Kennedale Sublett Road, Kennedale, TX, with Pastor Kevin Mau officiating. Visitation will be held from 8:30 a.m. until the time of service.

The Wisconsin memorial service will be held at a later date in January at Wichman Funeral Home, 537 North Superior Street, Appleton, WI, with a pastor from Mount Olive Lutheran Church officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Jen can be made to NAMI at http://NAMI.org, to MHMR Tarrant County Foundation at mhmrtarrant.org/foundation, and to the ASPCA or a local animal shelter of the donor’s choice.

A special and heartfelt thank-you to the following caregivers and organizations who provided compassionate care and comfort to Jen throughout her illness:

Community Hospice staff, specifically Nurse Anna, for prioritizing Jen’s comfort and medical needs and for her compassionate care and communication; Hospice Aide Tameisha, whose daily care attended not only to Jen’s personal needs but also to her dignity and spirit through thoughtful personal touches; and Hospice Chaplain Kristin, for her spiritual support and presence.

Family Tree Private Care, especially caregivers Kimberly, Taninika, and Thelma, who cared for Jen daily and regarded her as family, providing consistent comfort and support throughout her illness; and Tawania and Jacqueline for their ongoing support and guidance to Jen, her family and friends.

The Grandview of Chisholm Trail Assisted Living Care Facility and its staff for their role in Jen’s care and comfort, especially Rachel Johnson for her guidance and advocacy, and staff members Destiny (Med Tech) and Maria (Activities Coordinator), who brought light, warmth, and love to Jen’s days.

All who cared for Jen did so with compassionate, kind, and loving hearts.

Jen’s strength and determination in the face of a cruel illness left a lasting impact, teaching those around her about the true meaning of the will to live. She will be deeply missed.