Jennifer Anne Putnam (née Sherwin) lost her brave battle with cancer on February 4, 2021.
She was the beloved wife of Robert Putnam; devoted mother of Stella and Emma and stepmother of Autumn Putnam. Cherished daughter of Linda Sherwin and Robert L. (Amy) Sherwin. Dear sister of Catherine and Christopher Sherwin, and the twin sister of Michael (Agatha) Sherwin. Aunt of Karl, Emily, and Kate Schwegmann, Elizabeth (Calvin) Koellner, and Westley Sherwin; great-aunt of Penelope and Theodore Koellner.
A lifelong St. Louisan, Jenny was a graduate of St. Louis Public Schools, attending Classical Junior Academy (CJA) and Metro Academic and Classical High School. She then attended the University of Missouri-St. Louis, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in secondary education-French. In 2020, she completed her Master of Arts degree in French at UMSL while she was undergoing treatment for stage IV cancer.
Jenny was a dedicated educator and public servant who touched the lives of many. Jenny’s career began in the St. Louis Public Library system. She then taught French for 15 years at McCluer North High School in the Ferguson-Florissant School District.
A dedicated Francophile, Jenny loved learning French, studying French literature and culture, and traveling to France. She delighted in learning and sharing French language and culture with her students in the classroom and on the student trips she led to France.
Jenny cared deeply about social justice, equity, and inclusion and proudly marched with her students in Ferguson and with her family and friends all over the city. She served on the equity and inclusion committee at CJA — now her children’s elementary school — working to remove a Confederate army officer’s name from the school.
Jenny met her husband-to-be at Riley’s Pub in south St. Louis, and the two discovered that they lived only a few houses away from each other in The Hill neighborhood. A few years later, in June 2009, Jenny Sherwin and Robert Putnam married.
In May 2011, Jenny and Rob had their first child, Stella Grace. In December 2014, their family grew once more with the birth of Emma Ruth. Jenny was a natural at motherhood. She always had a nurturing spirit and loved children — especially her nieces, nephew, and stepdaughter. Motherhood imbued Jenny with a radiant glow that was a delight to observe.
When Jenny was diagnosed with advanced metastatic lung cancer just over a year ago, she made the difficult decision to retire from teaching in order to devote her time fully to the difficult treatment path that lay ahead. Although Jenny fought valiantly and pursued numerous treatments, her cancer proved to be too advanced to overcome.
Along the way, Jenny and her family received an outpouring of generous support from colleagues, family, and friends, many of whom have known Jenny since childhood. Jenny and her family were incredibly appreciative of the time, effort, and financial support that helped tremendously during such a difficult time.
Jenny will be remembered as a kind, compassionate, loving mother, teacher, friend, and colleague who worked tirelessly to help those around her. Jenny’s positive energy brought much-needed light and warmth to the world.
Although she was taken from us far too soon, Jenny’s beautiful soul lives on in our memories and our hearts, and in her daughters, Stella and Emma.
Jenny was loved by so many, and she will be greatly missed.
Private services for family and close friends will be held on Feb. 13 at Kutis Funeral Home-Affton Chapel, 10151 Gravois Road. Memories and messages welcomed in the online guestbook, available at archive.kutisfuneralhomes.com.
That’s such a true statement about Jenny… that her positive energy brought light and warmth to the world. I hadn’t seen Jenny in person in many years, but, as her high-school French teacher at Metro, I delighted in following her life (on FaceBook!) as a French teacher and mother, and wife to Robbie (as I remember him, from having him in my advisory in my very first year of teaching!). My heart is heavy, but my soul is richer for having known Jenny, and watched her grow in her beautiful life. May God grant all of you who loved her, peace and strength.
Such an incredible loss! We will miss seeing Jenny and her beautiful smile in South city. You’re in a better place with no more suffering! We’ll do our best to shower your kids with love.
Cathy and family my deepest sympathy. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Such a loss, so heartbreaking. Sending all my love.
My sincere condolences to Mr and Mrs Robert L. Sherwin and family.
All of Jenny’s friends from growing up on Juniata, at CJA and Metro are devastated by her passing. Even though Facebook was our strongest way to keep touch over the years, she is in my heart and thoughts all the time. I know her memory and spirit live strong. My love to you all.
Our loving thoughts and prayers for Jenny and her family.
Sincerely,
Gen & Jim
Rest Madame Putnam!!! You was my favorite teacher at McCluer North. I really loved French and you taught it so well!! I am devastated and heartbroken over this. You will be missed.
God rest Jenny in Eternity. TenderEmbrace to all who loved Jenny. Gratitude for the many positive gifts she shared.
Larry and Amy, Dave and I are so sorry for your loss of your beloved Jenny. What a beautiful tribute to her life on earth and the legacy she left.
We pray for peace in your heart and that her memories will be your healing light. Love, Dave and Jill Haring
Jenny was an amazing student at CJA. She was well liked by all and will be missed.
So, so sorry for your loss.
She was an outstanding individual. It was an honor have known her for 39 years. This is a gorgeous tribute to an exquisite friend. Rest now dear Jenny. I love you, and I miss you so much.
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family. Jenny will be missed.
As a former colleague of Jennifer’s at Mc Cluer North (I retired in 2017), I was deeply saddened to hear of her passing. I was unaware of her battle with cancer, but reading her eloquent obituary was inspiring, learning of how she continued her fight while furthering her education and professional duties. I have vivid memories of Jenny’s smiling face and upbeat demeanor, and while I can’t recall a specific conversation with her, I do recall that she exuded commitment and compassion when it came to her students. I discovered so much more about her when I read her obituary—she was truly a remarkable woman. I regret that I did not have the opportunity to know her better, but also that I was unaware of her fight to overcome her illness. I would have reached out to her during that time, but at this point, I can only offer my deepest sympathy to her family. I plan to access the link to her service this Saturday, and I am hopeful that there will an opportunity for the Mc Cluer North community to celebrate her life when it is safe.
You will be missed. You were a wonderful neighbor. Our deepest condolences to your family and friends…
My Deepest sympathy goes out to Rob & your girls. I knew Jenny from being neighbors with them. Jenny was always in her back yard playing with her girls or sitting on her front porch with the kids. Loved this sweet lady!
I only just wanted to express my dearest heartfelt sympathies and condolences towards Jenny’s friends, family, and other loved ones. Times, such as the ones which we are experiencing now, definitely leave us feeling more than a little bit blue. While what cards life decides to deal us, at times, can certainly be extremely excruciating. The tragic loss of a close loved one or dear friend is, more often than not, terribly traumatizing. I, personally, will forever continue to love and miss her greatly… as I always have. May she now experience eternal peace of mind, heart, and body. She will always (and forever) have a place in our hearts and she will never ever be forgotten!
“La mort est un temps vraiment froid – Qu’aucune météo ne prévoit” ― Charles de Leusse
Jen will be deeply missed, she was a person who always made the day better. Her compassion and energy that never faltered in tough times, it was an example of how to be a good person. I am very fortunate to have met, worked, and laughed with her. Thanks Jen, you will always be in my heart even though you have left.
My niece Jenny was a loving caring mother and wife and cherished member of the family. Though her passing takes her from us, it also frees her from the pain and disability of the cancer. I’m sure that Jenny knows she is loved and will be missed.
Jen was an amazing educator, colleague, and inspirational leader to so many. Her smile and grace will be missed, and never forgotten.
Our deepest condolences and love to the Sherwin family. Jenny was always a welcoming joy to be around.
Jenny was a beautiful sweet person. I’m glad to for the opportunity to work with at North. Prayers her family. You all my condolences. May she Rest In Peace
A great loss. Our sympathy and prayers to Rob, the girls and the rest of the family
Our deepest condolences to our neighbors Larry and Amy as well as to Jenny’s family and friends.
Deepest condolences and sympathy on this tragic loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you.