Jennifer Hanson Bartram

Jennifer Hanson Bartram, fondly known as “Jenn”, was born on September 10, 1957, and passed away unexpectedly on June 21, 2025.

Raised in the Midwest, Jenn moved to New Mexico for a fresh start. She would fondly talk about the many careers she pursued while living in Northern New Mexico. A broken-down car led her to meet her best friend, who eventually became her husband, Brian, landing her in Los Alamos where she left a lasting impact through the many programs she founded or volunteered with.

Her early programs focused on supporting teens and their emotional growth, finding it a personal quest to connect all the resources available. She helped many kids overcome difficulty, reminding them that they are “very well loved”. Her latest service to Los Alamos was as a Senior Chaplain, generously volunteering her time to LAPD, LAFD, and LAVNS. In this capacity she often served as a support in the weeks, days, and hours before a person’s passing, or immediately after the death of a loved one. She would often share about the sacred beauty of witnessing people’s last gatherings and cherished the trust she was given during these critical times. Jenn’s spirituality was a source of deep comfort, often changing the emotional outcome of these experiences for many.

Jenn’s unwavering commitment to mental health and community service is evidenced in her efforts to increase local resources for suicide prevention. In serving the LA County Health Council she fostered the grass-roots idea for LA Uniting for Community Health (LAUNCH), a great example of how she was deeply rooted in a long list of organizations supporting grief care, self-care, animal welfare, respect for people’s end-of-life decisions, and fostering understanding and communication among faith communities.

Many LAHS graduates remember her as the “NO! BACK OFF! Lady”, an affectionate nickname reflecting her dedication to training youth in self-defense. Jenn was the founder of JUNTOS (Joining and Understanding Now, Teens Overcome Separation), where she met her four adopted daughters from Ecuador shortly after they moved to the US. Jenn was a steadfast ally for those who were vulnerable, different, underdogs, misfits, dismissed, misunderstood, or unheard.

Jenn was a passionate artist and talented photographer with a notable gallery at Cottonwood on the Greens. Her art revealed the soul of the American Southwest and the enduring beauty of Los Alamos and Northern NM. She cherished her art studio which overlooks a beautiful view of the Rio Grande. Jenn loved Ken Nebel’s Life Drawing Group, where she “voluntold” Ken to provide this sketch for her obituary. She knew how to find the humor in life and use it as a balm during difficult times.

Jenn often expressed gratitude for her good fortune in finding Brian, her gentle, ever- patient, and loving husband. Together they made a beautiful home and retreat-like yard where they hosted holidays, dinner parties, weddings, and community events where the policy was “you are accepted and loved as you are” and “the more the merrier”.

A self-declared introvert, Jenn found joy in watching procedural TV shows with her husband and beloved dog, Lena, a good book, estate sales, and collecting unique jewelry. She took pride in baking a superior loaf of bread, and was not one to turn down dessert, or even have it first if the situation called for it. Her proudest accomplishments were her deeply nurtured relationships with family, “chosen family”, and friends. Her ability to make strangers into friends and ask uniquely transformative questions is legendary.

Jenn is survived by her husband, Brian Bartram; her beloved adopted children David Austin, Claudia Espinoza, Tatiana Espinoza, Zaida Espinoza and Tania Espinoza; brother Denis and sister Cindy, son-in-law Brandon Wiliams and grandchild, Ana Williams. She is preceded in death by her parents, Henry and Irene, her sister Toni, niece Britiny and nephew Kevin.

Jenn recently articulated her values and core principles as a keynote speaker:

1. Read everything you can get your hands on
2. Truly hear the stories people are willing to share, as everyone is a library
3. See the needs...meet the needs
4. Connection is the answer

She will be missed for her resilient spirit, artistry, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. Let us remember, Jenn was a person of deep faith, conviction, and integrity, and she did not fear death.

A public Remembrance will occur Friday, August 29 at 7 pm at Fuller Lodge in Los Alamos.

Rivera is blessed to honor Jenn’s wishes and Amber extends special gratitude to Brian for his trust and calm nature, Kristin Carmichael for her tireless support and platform for this writing, and Jenn’s daughter Tatiana for her contribution on behalf of her family, as some touches only daughters would know.

In the meantime, it would bring comfort to Jenn’s loved ones if you would please leave your “Jenn story” on her memorial page at www.riverafamilyfuneralhome.com, and consider donating your time or funds to Espanola Humane.