Putnam/Sturbridge: Jennifer Emile Kruczek, 53, passed away on May 8 at her home.

Jennifer was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, and partner; a devoted and compassionate therapist and social worker; and an unwavering animal rights activist. Her calling was to serve all in need, two- or four-legged, who crossed her path.

After growing up in Sturbridge, Mass., and graduating from Simmons College, Jennifer began a career in teaching but soon realized that there was a great need for the kind of crisis intervention that happened outside of school. This led to a master's degree in social work from Columbia University and an almost 30-year career in social service. Most recently, this culminated with a private therapy and counseling practice in Putnam, Conn., where she quickly earned a well-deserved reputation for generosity, empathy, and compassion on behalf of those in her care. Whether it was delivering a carload of Christmas gifts to a family in need, ensuring that they got a ride to a job opportunity, or helping them with other aspects of their health care, clients knew that if they needed anything, they could call Jennifer.

When not serving and advocating for clients, Jennifer was serving and advocating for animals. She rescued legions of dogs and cats; supported countless animal welfare organizations; and deeply loved her animal companions and the many stray animals lucky enough to find themselves in her orbit.

Jennifer rarely sat still, always living up to her nickname "Jenny-go-go." In addition to work, she loved taking her dogs to the park, spending time with her loved ones, traveling to sunny climes, listening to music, and finding ways to make others feel special.

Jennifer leaves her parents, Thomas and Dorann (Kirp) Kruczek of Sturbridge; her sister Hadley Kruczek-Aaron and her husband Kenneth Aaron of Saranac Lake, N.Y.; her niece Nelle Aaron and nephew Miles Aaron of Saranac Lake, N.Y.; her longtime partner John Degnan of Putnam, Conn., and Sturbridge, Mass.; aunts Susan K. Hochwald of Nantucket, Mass., and Marlene Kruczek of Guilford, Conn.; and an extended family of dear cousins and friends. She was predeceased by grandparents Vivian and Harry Kirp, Nina and Louis Kruczek, and Harry Mailand; and uncles Dr. Ronald Hochwald and Raymond Kruczek. She will be sorely missed by her beloved fur babies (Benny, Jill, Ace, Jazzy, and Blackie), as well as all who knew and loved her.

For those interested in honoring Jennifer's memory, please consider donating to or volunteering at a local animal welfare organization.

A Celebration of Life for Jennifer will be held on Friday, July 26th, from 4:00 to 6:00pm in the Ruth Wells Center for the Arts, 111 Main St., Southbridge, MA.  A private graveside service will be held in North Cemetery, Sturbridge.

Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St. in Southbridge, Mass., is directing arrangements.