Jennifer Leinbach of Norwich, CT passed away on July 13, 2025, due to injuries from an automobile accident.  She was 28 years old, the daughter of Allen and Teri Maxwell.  Jennifer was born on September 11, 1996 in Ephrata, PA. She attended Cocalico Area High School. After high school, Jennifer went to Penn State where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Education, and met the love of her life, Justin Leinbach. The couple married on October 21, 2023. After moving to Connecticut, Jennifer was a teacher at Sayles School in Baltic before moving to Salem School where she taught middle school English Language Arts.

In her free time, Jennifer found joy in hiking with her husband and their beloved dog, Tucker, spending quality time with family, and sunrises at the beach. She had a glowing personality and will be lovingly remembered by her siblings as a fiercely loyal and protective sister. Jennifer’s passion and dedication touched every aspect of her life. As an educator and the founder and coach of several thriving volleyball programs, she left a lasting impact on countless students and colleagues, who remember her for her warmth, energy, and unwavering commitment to the communities she served. In her final act of generosity, Jennifer gave the gift of life through the donation of several life-saving organs.

Jennifer will be greatly missed but always remembered with love by her husband Justin Leinbach of Norwich, CT; her parents, W. Allen and Teri Maxwell of Denver, PA; siblings Michael Maxwell of Fishers, IN; Charles Maxwell and spouse Carinne of Manheim, PA; and Brady Maxwell of Manheim, PA; nieces and nephews, Owen, Connor, Rebekah, Madelyn, and Sydney; and by many extended family members, friends, colleagues, and students. She was pre-deceased by her grandparents William and Marion Maxwell, and William and Carol Schoch.

The family is establishing a memorial fund to give back to the academic and athletic communities she cared so deeply about, in her name. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made at www.gofundme.com/f/jen-leinbach-memorial

The Aurora-McCarthy Funeral Home of Colchester has been entrusted with care of arrangements. Memorial services will be held in Connecticut at Harkness Park in Waterford at 9:00 AM on Saturday July 26, and in Pennsylvania at The Reading Liederkranz in Reading at 10:00 AM on Sunday August 3. 

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