Jenny Lynne Schrader

Jenny Lynne Schrader, lovingly known as “Big Jen,” passed away on February 1, 2026, at the age of 37. Born on March 19, 1988, to John Leander Schrader and Barbara Hale Schrader, Jen’s life was a testament to resilience, strength, and a spirit that defied every limitation placed before her.

Jen reunited with her beloved father, John, who surely welcomed her with open arms and the words she knew so well: “There’s my baby girl.”; her maternal grandparents, Ellsworth and Helen Hale; and her maternal uncle, Thomas Hale. Though her passing leaves an immeasurable void, her legacy is one of courage, determination, and love that will endure through all who knew her.

Left to share her memories are her loving mother, who cared for her every day around the clock, Barbara Hale Schrader; her sister, Amandalyn Schrader Klemptner and her husband, Jeremy; brother, John Schrader and his wife Mandy; her UVA and Pegasus family; and those emergency services providers who became family over the years of helping to care for Jen.

From an early age, Jen proved to be extraordinary. Told she would not live beyond 16, she defied every prognosis and became a living miracle, nearly reaching her 38th birthday. Throughout her life, Jen taught countless medical students, residents, fellows, and attending physicians lessons no textbook could offer—about perseverance, complexity, humility, and the importance of treating the patient, not the monitor. Time and again, she overcame critical illness, walking out of intensive care units when doubt surrounded her, reminding everyone that strength is not always measured in words.

Though she was nonverbal, Jen was undeniably the loudest presence in any room. She had a way of commanding attention and affection effortlessly. Whether directing family with her famous “ET finger,” insisting on a timely restaurant exit so Dad could take her out, claiming her spot on the sofa to signal it was time to go “bye-byes,” or being recognized in public before anyone else in the family.

She was deeply loved by many family members, the Pegasus crew, lifelong friends, and all who came to know her. Jen was not just part of the family; she was its heart and miracle, cherished beyond measure.

Jen leaves behind a devoted family who will forever miss her strength, her stubbornness, her humor, and her unmistakable presence. She taught those around her how to be strong, how to endure, and how to always believe there is another side to even the hardest battles. She will be remembered for her resilience, her fierce spirit, and the love she inspired. Jenny Lynne Schrader will be missed beyond words and loved beyond time.

The family invites you to join them and celebrate 37 years of love, laughs, and memories, on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Batten Funeral Home, located at 12819 Spotswood Trail, Ruckersville, Virginia, 22968, from 10:00-12:00. In true Schrader fashion, those who wish are welcome to continue sharing memories at the Schrader household following the services at the funeral home.

Jen will later be laid to rest with her dad at Arlington National Cemetery.

Arrangements are entrusted to Batten Funeral Home of Ruckersville, Virginia.

An online guestbook is available at www.battenfuneral.com for those wishing to share memories or offer condolences. Your kind words will bring comfort and strength to the family during this time.