Jennifer Nicole Shoemake

Jennifer Nicole Shoemake was called to Heaven on May 22, 2024, in Farmington, NM, at the age of 51 after a hard-fought six-year battle, with metastatic breast cancer. During this time, she didn’t sit around waiting for the call, she lived her life to the best of her abilities. Jennifer’s life was marked by her vibrant personality and her love of adventure and spontaneity. Her smile was infectious and those who knew her appreciated her ability to live life on her own terms, with a spirit that was as engaging as it was inspiring.

Jennifer was born on January 8, 1973, in Carlsbad, NM, to Vernon and Camille (Smith) Shoemake where she was raised and attended school. Her educational journey included Sunset and Riverside elementary schools, as well as Carlsbad Senior High School. Jennifer furthered her education by attending Dental Assistant School, which paved the way for her career in the dental field. However, her true professional passion was realized in later years as she embraced the role of a preschool teaching assistant, a job she found profoundly rewarding and fulfilling. She loved those children, and they loved her.

Beyond her professional life, Jennifer held a deep belief in God and was baptized as a young girl at Bethel Baptist Church in Carlsbad. She grew more spiritual as she got older, and especially during her illness. She was never bitter about her health issues, and even during her most difficult times, maintained a positive attitude. One of her hobbies was traveling, with her most recent trip to Hawaii being a highlight. While in Hawaii, she flew in a helicopter on a tour of the Hawaiian Islands, attended a luau, went sightseeing, shopping, etc. Some of her other hobbies included spending time with her family, going out to eat or on the motocross track, cuddling with her fur babies and visiting the casino. She cherished her childhood memories of playing softball (PCA Chiefs), being a Little Caveman Cheerleader (Cardinals), and canoeing as a Camp Fire Girl during summer camp. Her love for the outdoors, spending time with family and friends, and helping others enriched her life. Her sense of humor never wavered, and no one was safe from the pranks pulled with the assistance of her sister Michelle or her own children. Jennifer was a very special person with a kind, loving and generous soul, and just as beautiful on the inside as she was on the outside.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Roy and Pauline Shoemake, John B. and Louise Smith, and Dalton (Dolly) Trombley, Sr.

She is survived by her children, Ty Shoemake, Aaron Shoemake and Kobe Gabaldon (Ashley), her mother, Camille Trombley (Dalton), her father, Vernon Shoemake (Donna), grandmother Patricia Trombley, sisters Michelle LaPorte (Gary), Alyssa Trombley, Audry Barriga, Donna Sullivan, Jennifer Trombley Hammock (Seth), Kathy Martin (Larry), Rhonda Smith (Ken), brother, Kyle Trombley, nephew Jordan Martinez (Danielle), nieces Coty Hineline (Jason), Breanna Martinez, and Camille Struck (Nate). She is also survived by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, friends, and her precious and loyal fur babies, Lulu, and Chloe. 

Jennifer you were truly a gift from God, and you will be missed more than you will ever know. The world is a little dimmer without you in it. Rest easy sweetheart and fly with the angels. Your health is restored, and you are no longer in pain. You are free. We will hold you in our hearts until we can hold you in Heaven, and we will love you forever!

A Celebration of Life will be held later this year to honor Jennifer’s memory and her lasting impact on all who knew her. Jennifer loved animals, especially dogs. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to your local animal shelter/rescue.