Jennifer Lynn Dominguez was at her home and surrounded by family when she accepted the Lord’s call on October 3, 2020 after a brief, yet valiant battle with cancer. To say she will be missed is an understatement for those who knew her, befriended her, or ever worked with her. Jennifer’s flame burned brightly, and her outgoing personality was one for the ages. Jennifer never failed to surprise those around her with her words and actions. Jennifer projected her happy and upbeat disposition to everyone she met.
Jennifer was born August 24, 1965 in Wichita, Kansas to James (Jim) and Helen K. Horsch (Robinson). Her parents moved from Kansas to El Paso, Texas where they worked tirelessly to raise Jennifer while finding time to provide her with a sibling, her brother Jamieson A. Horsch. Jim and Helen soon moved the family to the Houston area eventually settling in Richmond, Texas, where Jim and Helen built a home and a business.
Jennifer attended school in Richmond and graduated from Lamar High School with a head full of dreams. She attended Wharton County Junior College in Richmond. In her mid 20’s Jennifer left Richmond for Austin and worked various jobs until 1989 when she landed a position as an Assistant Property Manager with Transwestern, a large commercial real estate management firm; and she earned her real estate license that year. In 1994, she hired an Assistant, Mary Anne Castles, and the two formed a lifelong friendship – side by side working, supporting each other through life’s wins and losses, and sharing many laughs and tears along the way.
In February 1996 Jennifer accepted a position with HPI, a relatively new commercial real estate firm headquartered in Austin. Jennifer took courses at Austin Community College and St. Edwards University earning various certifications related to the management of commercial property. Clearly, she had found her professional calling. Jennifer spent almost 25 years at HPI building relationships, lifelong friendships, and earning the admiration of her teammates and the growing list of clients served by HPI. Jennifer’s mentor and friend, BethAnn Signor, always knew how to get the most from Jennifer and can attest that there were no challenges that Jennifer would refuse or rise to. As one of the earliest employees at HPI, Jennifer enjoyed the family atmosphere and her drive to succeed was an attribute HPI was looking for. Jennifer climbed the ranks at HPI always aiming for the top. Jennifer’s drive and can-do attitude were instrumental to the successes achieved by HPI and she did not allow The Partners forget it! She considered HPI and the Partners as her extended family. You could always tell when Jennifer was in the corporate office at HPI before she was visible due to her infectious laugh. Jennifer was active in two commercial real estate organizations, BOMA (Building Office Managers Association) from which she earned their top professional designation, Real Property Administrator (RPA) and with IREM (Institute of Real Estate Management) to earn the prestigious Certified Property Manager (CPA) designation.
While Jennifer’s work fueled her, she felt a void in her life. In 2006, Jennifer was successful in her journey in adopting an orphaned toddler from China, beautiful Haley. Jennifer was pragmatic yet had a huge soft spot in her heart for the disadvantaged and always pulled for those facing long odds. God’s divining hand led her to a beautiful little girl who needed a great mother. Haley became the brightest loving light in Jennifer’s life. Even though Jennifer didn’t see Haley to adulthood, she instilled in her everything she knew and beautifully prepared her for life as an adult.
In 2012, Jennifer again felt something missing in her life. She met her husband-to-be, Carlos Dominguez, in October at Manuel’s Restaurant near her home. Carlos clearly saw her beauty, smarts, wit, and voracious appetite for life and asked for her hand in marriage before Christmas. Jennifer and Carlos were married in June 2013.
Through the years Jennifer, Carlos, and Haley loved to travel in their RV. Hiking the Rocky Mountains in Montana, Colorado, and New Mexico were especially memorable for the family. Visiting Texas State Parks was joyful for her. Jennifer typically picked the locations and Carlos got them there. Jennifer and family had an affinity for the Frio River, and they made it to Concan, Texas on Labor Day every year since they met. The same playlist of music started every trip including her final journey to Heaven on the morning of October 3rd. The Bellamy Brothers song “Let your Love Flow” was playing as Jennifer reached her hand out to the Angel of the Lord who beckoned.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to Meals on Wheels or The Christopher House.