OAKLAND – A Life well lived. The life of Jennifer (Lohnes) Assaf began Dec. 5, 1971, at 11:52 p.m., eight minutes before her father’s birthday. Every birthday after that only one cake was made and shared by father and daughter.

She was predeceased by her father, Tom Lohnes of China Village.

She is survived by her husband of 25 years, Rony Assaf of Oakland; her mother, Susan Lohnes of China Village; and her dear brother, Christopher Lohnes of Lewiston; as well as a large extended family.

There were many obstacles and sometimes high hurdles to jump in Jennifer’s life of 51 years, but she never let that stop her.

She married the love of her life, a man who was equally as strong, sturdy, and honest as Jennifer. Together they withstood every challenge that came their way. A strong faith was the cornerstone of the life they built together. With imagination and a deep love of animals, Paws and Claws daycare was created, redefining the pet care industry in Maine. Jennifer and Rony, through their tireless work turned pet care into an art form.

Jennifer’s love of animals extended to pets with disabilities. She often would reach out to find a good home for three-legged pets that shelters found difficult to place. At times she would take an animal who was due to be euthanized and care for it until the perfect home could be found.

A conversation with Jennifer rarely included talking about herself. Her main concern was always with others. Though she lived with many forms of cancer for 38 years from the age of 13, on, enduring countless surgeries and many rounds of chemo, she felt privileged to have lived such a full life; a life filled with the love of a devoted husband and the love, respect and admiration of family and friends.

Jennifer was able to live an enriched and extraordinary life in spite of cancer because she had a brave heart, endless courage, a loving unselfish husband, and a determination not to let cancer define her.

The things in life that go unnoticed in most of our everyday lives were the little treasures in Jennifer’s life. No one can live your life for you, and no one can face what is yours to face or feel what is yours to feel and no one can do it alone. It was all the love and support that enabled her to have a Life Well Lived.

A funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday Oct. 24 at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Church, 116 Silver St., Waterville; followed by a burial at Saint Francis Cemetery, Grove Street, Waterville, with a reception to follow at Notre Dame church hall.

Jennifer’s family invites you to visit her memorial page at https://dsfuneral.com/obituaries/jennifer-assaf to leave condolences, share photos, and special memories.

In lieu of flowers please consider a donation in Jennifer’s name to the

Good Shepherd Food Bank

P.O. Box 1807

Auburn, ME 04211

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