Jenifer Marie Mickan (Brandenburg) was born on August 29, 1958 in Poughkeepsie, New York to Dr. John and Elaine Brandenburg. She was raised in the beautiful town of Hopewell Junction, New York with her three younger brothers John, Jehf, and James. In August 1976, her family moved to Texas, and she began her college years at Texas Lutheran College in Seguin, Texas. She majored in education at TLC to pursue her lifelong dream of becoming a teacher. It was also at TLC where Jen met and fell in love with the love of her life, Tim Mickan. Tim and Jen were married on July 24, 1982 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Nederland, Texas, where attendees enjoyed BBQ and a Grand March dance that some say lasted an hour. Jen started her teaching career at Sealy Elementary, then Dulles Elementary in Houston, then enjoyed many years as a pre-school and P.E. teacher at St. Philip Lutheran. Later in her career, she worked as a transition specialist at Houston Community College, where she helped students with special needs earn college degrees, internships, and jobs.

Jen was an extremely supportive wife to Tim, especially when they both took a leap of faith to start the family business, Mickan Tool & Supply, in 1993. Lots of labor, love, and prayers, along with many sacrifices from Jen, allowed the business to thrive and succeed. Jen was thrilled to see her son Branden join the business in 2010 and enjoyed supporting her husband and son as an unofficial employee every day.

Jen was very active and enjoyed aerobics, cycling, tennis, yoga, jogging, swimming, and daily workouts with her daughter Amanda. She loved riding with family and friends in the MS 150 along with many training rides. She loved outdoor activities, taking care of the family dogs, playing "dirty marbles," making Jesus Birthday Cake and other family recipes, and sharing her faith in Christ. She was an active member of Christ Memorial Lutheran Church and enjoyed serving as a greeter and VBS volunteer. She touched the hearts of many Special Olympic athletes as a coach, volunteer, and friend. She was extremely active in supporting her daughter Amanda as she competed in a variety of sports for Special Olympic games throughout the world, including China, Greece, Italy, and many more throughout Texas and the USA. Jen was always thinking about and caring for others; she truly wanted everyone to succeed and enjoy life.

Most of all, Jen loved spending time with her family. She enjoyed a wonderful life with her husband Tim and two children, Branden and Amanda. Jen was an amazing mother and an active participant, motivator, and influence in every aspect of her children's lives. She raised Branden and Amanda to know Christ's love and helped guide their walk with God from childhood to adulthood. She loved spending time with her extended family and enjoyed being there for so many special events. Any occasion was a time for celebration, and she loved attending, planning, and hosting events to celebrate the people she loved. One of the highlights of her life was planning and celebrating the marriage of her son Branden to his wife Kathlyn.

Jenifer is survived by her husband, Timothy, her son Branden with his wife Kathlyn, and her daughter Amanda, her three brothers, John with his wife Jeanne, Jehf with his wife Margaret, and James, her sister-in-law Pam with her husband Mike, her sister-in-law Cindy with her husband George, and her brother-in-law Danny with his wife Penny, her mother-in-law Ethel Mickan, along with many nieces, nephews, and grand-nieces and grand-nephews that she adored. Jen was preceded in death by her father, Dr. John Brandenburg, mother, Elaine Brandenburg, and father-in-law, Ray Mickan.

In lieu of flowers, donatons in Jenifer's name may be made to

Camp Lone Star in LaGrange, Texas,

or Special Olympics Texas https://support.specialolympics.org/a/texas?ms=IDMP_EOY21_3X_WEB&utm_source=web&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=IDMP_EOY21_3X

or Christ Memorial Lutheran Church in Houston, Texas.