Jennifer L. Fox

Jennifer L. Fox of Mason, Ohio, crossed the finish line Tuesday March 29, 2022 after a 13-year battle with a brain tumor. She was just 50 years old. Jennifer was born Tuesday May 11, 1971 in Columbus, Ohio to Donald Merz, MD and Rose Marie (nee Gregory), deceased. She gained a loving second mother, Teresa (nee Clardy) in 1981.

A lover of voyage and adventure, Jennifer married her soul mate, David Fox, at sea, on June 26,2005, with stepdaughters Erin and Nicole by their side. Not surprising they chose such a wedding location since she had been a seasoned traveler - delighting in experiencing the world through the lens of other cultures from South America to Europe.

Avid sports fans, the couple cheered on the Bengals, Reds, and Xavier Musketeers. She gleefully embraced camping even though prior to marrying David, her idea of camping involved eating from the mini-bar in a hotel on Las Ramblas in Barcelona. When not enjoying the camping lifestyle, the Foxes were known for hosting legendary pool parties at their home.

Jennifer was an eternal optimist who "refused" to meet a stranger. She had an innate talent for languages - speaking both French and Spanish fluently. She parlayed this passion into a vocation as a devoted teacher at Xavier University, and as an adjunct professor at the University of Cincinnati, then at Ursuline Academy, finishing her career with Fairfield City Schools.

As an athlete and runner, Jennifer was an inspiration - completing several marathons, both before and after her diagnosis. Never one to remain idle, Jennifer volunteered her time at the library. Where most people shudder at the Dewey decimal filing system, she embraced its fastidiousness as a favorite hobby. Jen also loved tending to her flowers, and to everyone's consternation, she refused to use a hose, instead, enjoying every minute walking all over her yard with a watering can.

The youngest of four siblings, Jennifer's youthful zest was central to her being, but she quickly switched gears when newborn Ian was welcomed into the family. Along with big sister Leslie, Jennifer became a loving, second big sister to her baby brother "Booga." Sharing Leslie's compassion, Matt's strong will, Jon's humor and Ian's curiosity, Jennifer was a perfect collage of her siblings' influences, coming together in the purest of hearts.

Her wit and smile will be forever loved and cherished by all who knew her and particularly her husband David, parents Don and Teresa Merz, siblings Leslie Molnar (Tim), Matthew Merz (Kara), Jon Merz (Amy), Ian Merz (Amber), stepdaughters Erin Fox (Ritchie Clark) and Nicole Fox. Nieces and nephews Madilyn, Michael, Rachael, Zachary, Charlie, Macie and Trey will forever miss their Aunt Sha Sha.

A Celebration of Life will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be directed to: The University of Cincinnati Brain Tumor Center -made through the University of Cincinnati Foundation, PO Box 19970, Cincinnati, OH 45219 (Jennifer walked for this cause for many years); or to The Public Library of Cincinnati and Hamilton County , particularly since she was intentionally late in returning items so that the library would have her constant stream of 'donations' in overdue charges.

Mueller Funeral Home is honored to serve the Fox Family.