Jennifer Mitchell Perkins, 1974-2025

We are very sad to announce the passing of longtime Charitable Foundation staff member and beloved friend and colleague Jennifer Mitchell Perkins.

Jen loved her work and colleagues at the Charitable Foundation — and the entire Foundation family. In her final days, she wrote to Foundation staff to “keep up the good fight and keep taking care of those who need it most.”

“Jen brought incredible wisdom, humility, passion, kindness and a keen sense of fairness to everything she did,” said Foundation president and CEO Richard Ober. “She shaped policies, practices and culture here that will be her legacy for years to come. This Foundation is stronger, and better able to work effectively on behalf of people and communities in New Hampshire, because of Jen’s countless contributions.”

The following obituary was prepared by Jen’s family and friends:

Jennifer Mitchell Perkins, 51, of Bow, a devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister and beloved friend, passed away on August 21. Jen battled cancer with fearless strength and optimism. Her loving family was with her when she passed.

Jen grew up in Bow, graduated from Concord High School in 1992 and from the University of New Hampshire in 1996. Jen joined the Foundation in 2001, and was steadily promoted from executive assistant to vice president for human resources and administration. Before she came to the Foundation, Jen served as a senior staff member for U.S. Congressman Paul Hodes and worked for many years at NEEBCO.

Jen leaves her husband of 24 years, Dana Perkins, son Brady Perkins, mother and stepfather Linda and Bob Mahoney, father and stepmother Jim and Mary Mitchell, parents-in-law Sandi and Richard Perkins, sister Jaime Mitchell Pratt and her son Mitchell, step-sister and brother-in-law Kelli and Dave Cyr and their sons Cooper and Cameron, step-brothers Shane Mahoney and Curt Mahoney, brother- and sister-in-law Jamie and Amy Perkins and their son Josiah, brother- and sister-in-law Chris Perkins and Michelle Bissonnette and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Family meant everything to Jen. She loved bringing people together over holiday meals and for Patriots’ games serving her lucky “winning” ribs (you’re welcome, Tom Brady). She was a lifelong Democrat, a passionate supporter of civil liberties and human rights, who always watched out for those most in need and delighted in rage-giving and a good protest. Jen had a deep appreciation for Broadway musicals — especially Hamilton, which she saw in both New York City and London — and could belt out the entire soundtrack by heart. Jen marked life’s moments by seeking out the perfect ornament from every trip and event, proudly displaying her collection year-round and filling her tree each December. She savored lunchtime walks, political talks, and mint breaks with her work bestie KO. Jen was a devoted Swiftie and traveled with her bestie Andrea to see the Eras Tour last fall. As a proud auntie, she reveled in cheering on her nieces and nephews and watching them grow. Jen found a passion for fitness thanks to her sister Kelli and took great joy in riding on her spin bike “Bandit” (renamed “Jenny” in her honor). She adored taking her sister Jaime shopping (even though Jamie isn’t much of a shopper), happily filling the cart only to put it all back.

Most of all she cherished spending days with her mom, celebrating Brady’s many incredible accomplishments, sharing special dinners at The Tides Beach Club with Dana, camping with family and friends at Red Apple Campground and walking her dogs at Goose Rocks Beach in Kennebunkport, Maine.

A “Celebration of Life (Jen’s Version)” will be held on September 13 from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Bow Community Center.

Family and friends have established the 408J Fund at the Charitable Foundation in Jen’s memory, to be used to help those most in need in New Hampshire. Memorial donations can be made to the fund at https://give.nhcf.org/408JFund.