Jennifer L. Noonan (Smith), age 56, of Merrillville, IN, passed away on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

Jen was beloved by many people from all aspects of her life. She will be deeply missed by her husband of 20 years, Patrick Noonan. She was preceded in death by her parents: Barbara (Boldus) and Jay Smith and survived by Mom Jean Smith. Her life was filled with love by many brothers and sisters: Micki (Bob Buteyn) Smith, David (Darcy) Smith, Jeffery (Rita Bashaw) Smith, Mandi Czyszczon, Curtis Sanchez, and Mindy Sanchez. She was Aunt Mommy to Elle and Mia Czyszczon and Aunt Jenni to Erica (Luke) Hess, Elisha (Mojca) Remskar, Jason (Julianna) Smith, Christina (Jon) Chin, Sam (Amber) Smith, and Annalia Sanchez. Jenni’s blended family with Patrick included daughters: Ann Marie (Jose) Ventura, Jessica (Miguel) Uribe, Natasha Noonan and grandchildren Miguel Uribe Jr. and Matthew Uribe. Jen was also a loving and devoted cat and dog mom.

Jen was educated at both Purdue and Indiana Universities. She dedicated over 30 years of her life to caring for others as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Behavioral Health Specialist. Her compassion and concern for her patients and their communities were at the heart of everything she did. She was an accomplished clinician who knew that working closely with her colleagues was a key to excellence, driven by her commitment to research. She was influenced by her mentors and, in turn, helped shape those she mentored for generations to come.

She was a devoted member of the Empty Circle Zen Group, where she found peace and fulfillment through Buddhist meditation. She shared that journey with her late father. Jen’s practice centered on her health and wellbeing and care for others. She was content with a life of simplicity, including her love of puzzles, where she had a knack for putting the pieces together in many ways.

Jen loved exploring antique stores, always enjoying the thrill of discovering something unique. Her ability to see the untapped value in the overlooked was inspiring. Jen's soul was nourished through music, especially songs from the 1960s and 70s. Her music tastes were as eclectic as she was.

Jen will be greatly missed by so many. She quietly modeled a life for all of us: accept those who are different, share your talents with the world, uplift those around you, and love courageously.