Jennifer Hanle Malahowski

In Loving Memory of Jennifer Hanle Malahowski

November 17, 1943 – July 31, 2025

On July 31st, 2025, Jennifer Hanle Malahowski, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, peacefully passed away in Southlake, Texas, at the age of 81. Surrounded by the love of her family and held in the arms of God, Jennifer’s journey on this earth came to a close, and she was welcomed into her eternal home.

Born on November 17, 1943, in New York City to Frank L. P. Hanle and Dorothea Z. Hanle, Jennifer's early years were spent on Long Beach Island, New Jersey—a place she always held dear. In high school, she was a Girls State delegate and served as editor of her school newspaper, early signs of her lifelong love of words and leadership. A bright and determined young woman, she graduated from West Virginia Wesleyan College with a B.A. in English and Sociology, where she was a proud member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority.

Jennifer married the love of her life, Richard A. Malahowski, and for over 50 years together, they built a family grounded in faith, love, and joyful adventure. She was the devoted mother of Alexandra “Ali” (Daniel) Cherek and Andrew (Erin) Malahowski, and a cherished grandmother to Sonia Malahowski and Nicholas Cherek—all of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

Jennifer began her professional life as a high school English teacher before choosing to dedicate herself fully to her family as a homemaker. She approached her calling with unmatched grace and purpose. Later, she pursued her passion for writing as a restaurant reviewer for Travel Host Magazine, and offered her time and talents to the Cowtown Marathon. Jennifer also ran a home-based business, all while keeping her home a haven filled with warmth, laughter, people and the aroma of her delicious cooking.

She was a faithful servant and deeply involved in her community—an active member of the PTA (where she was honored with a Lifetime Membership), Band Boosters, Girl Scouts, and many treasured friends, with whom she loved to travel and to get together to play games like bridge, other card games, and mah jong. Jennifer lived her faith quietly and deeply, always putting the needs of others above her own. Her selfless spirit, compassionate heart, and wonderful sense of humor made her beloved by all who knew her.

Her life was a beautiful tapestry of travels and experiences. Alongside her husband, children, grandchildren, and dear friends, Jennifer explored the wonders of the world—traveling through Antarctica, Iceland, Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, the Panama Canal, and both South and Central America. Her journeys were not just about places and memories, but more about people and the joy of living life with them to the fullest.

Jennifer had an exceptional eye for design, a sharp skill at Scrabble, and a gift for hospitality. Her home was a welcoming place for all—a true reflection of her heart. She is preceded in death by her parents, by her beloved brother, Alan R. Hanle, and is lovingly missed and remembered by her husband, her children, her grandchildren, her nephew, Richard Hanle, her many in-laws, as well as by her many friends.

To know Jennifer was to be loved by her. Her legacy is one of unwavering devotion, boundless generosity, and a quiet but sure faith in God. As we grieve her passing, we also rejoice in the sure hope of her resurrection through a loving God.

"Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord." — Matthew 25:23.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the Tarrant Area Food Bank, Doctors Without Borders, or the American Heart Association, all charities important to her, honoring her lifelong dedication to family and the well-being of others.

Tarrant Area Food Bank - Donation Site

Doctors Without Borders - Donation Site

American Heart Association - Donation Site