Jenifer Zalinger was born in 1948 and raised in Wilmette, Illinois, the youngest of three sisters. Her adventurous spirit led her to a life spent in many parts of the country, including here in Chewelah where she moved in 2016 to be with her family. After graduating from New Trier High School she headed to New Mexico for college and discovered her love of all things southwest, especially the geology, and turquoise jewelry. She spent many years living in the desert and learning the culture. One of her jobs while there was a guard in a woman's prison.

After marrying in 1980 she moved to California. It was there that the true love of her life, her son Dylan, was born in 1983. They moved back to the Chicago area for a while and in the early 2000's Jenifer decided to try the other corner of the country and moved to Fort Myers, Florida. She loved exploring the beaches and collecting rocks, shells and more jewelry while there. After the heartbreaking loss of both her son Dylan and husband Phil, Jenifer came to the Pacific NW to be close to her 2 sisters and family.

Jenifer was preceded in death by her parents, Janet and Selden Swope, husband Phil and son Dylan Zalinger. She leaves her heartboken family, sisters Gail Wilkins (Jim), and Marcia Childers, both of Chewelah. Nephews Steven Vanover of Fort Worth, TX, Jared Vanover, and Greg Vanover (Sande) of Chewelah, Scott Bridgwater (Anna) of Houston, AK and niece Bari Bridgwater-Bell (Clayton), grand niece Hayley Bridgwater of Valley, and many other grand nieces and nephews. Jenifer was cared for and helped by Dominicare caregivers the past 6 years and appreciated their dedication and kindness, especially Lisa, who she looked forward to seeing every week and loved very much.