Jasmine Crystal (Lopez) Kidder

Jasmine Crystal Lopez-Kidder, 41, after battling interstitial lung disease like a true warrior for several years, passed away peacefully on November 25, 2020, at the VA Hospital in Seattle.

Jasmine was born in Simi Valley, CA on March 25, 1979. Her strong maternal instincts were apparent at an early age in the way she always cared for her younger siblings. At the age of 12 Jasmine moved to Ellensburg, WA. She graduated from high school there and later, played rugby as a student at Central Washington University.

Jasmine enlisted in the Army at age 20. Following her military service she married Berb Kidder (Ellensburg). They had two sons, Warren, born in May 2006 and William, born in February 2011. Jasmine was an extraordinary mother, always firm but gentle, always encouraging, always putting her children first. Warren and William were the pride and joy of her life.

Jasmine met her love, Aimee Rachunok, in January of 2014. They enjoyed traveling and simply spending time together.

When Jasmine became a single parent she returned to school, and proudly earned her Bachelor of Science in Heath Informatics and Health Information Management from the University of Washington in June 2018.

On November 20, 2019, Jasmine received a double lung transplant at the University of Washington Medical Center. Her family and friends are forever grateful to her donor for the gift of extended life. It enabled her to have more time with her boys, partner, and family, and to welcome her new nephew, River, earth-side.
 
Jasmine was a bright and joyful light in our lives. One of her happy places was in the kitchen where it brought her great pleasure to create masterpieces for her family. Jasmine loved a good story—she always had a book or movie to talk about. She also loved music and enjoyed watercolor painting, embroidery and spending time with her three dogs, Poppy, Bosco, and Valentine.

Jasmine is survived by sons Warren and William, partner Aimee Rachunok, father Bert Lopez, mother Jessie Smith, grandparents Bill and Martha (Duskin) Smith and Barbara Smith, siblings Amber Lopez, Michael Lopez, Steven Lopez, Alexander Lopez, Benjamin Lopez, and Kathy Otto, niece Sophia Michelle Lopez, nephew River Michael Mendez, extended family of aunts, uncles, and cousins, and best friends Evonne Stritmatter and Evonne's son Ash, and Shari Bari Henson. Her quiet strength will continue to inspire all those who knew her.

Words are inadequate to express our heartfelt gratitude for the extraordinary care given by the ICU and transplant team at UWMC and especially Seattle Veteran's Hospital MICU, where the nurses, doctors, technicians, and transplant specialists became her second family. Their love and care for Jasmine will never be forgotten.

We may be parted but Jasmine’s smile, courage, generosity and love shines through our sorrow, and as she reminded us “every little thing is going to be all right”.

A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at a later date. Please check back.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages supporting Veteran's programs. A directory of organizations is available at VA.org.

Please share your fond memories of Jasmine and condolences with her Family on her Tribute Wall, located above.

- Care & Arrangements Entrusted to Emmick Family Funeral Services -

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