I am not sure how many of you remember Jill Lawrence because she was one of the shyest classmates we had. Jill was born at St. Mary’s Hospital in 1961. She grew up near 39th and Dupont Avenues N. Her father Howard and mother Lucille would have 10 children in their home. Jill experienced what she considered a pretty normal life. Back then all you had to do was tell your mom where you were going and it was pretty safe to be out and about in the neighborhood. Jill attended McKinley Elementary, Olson Junior High and graduated Patrick Henry. Graduation gave her a sense of accomplishment and she was glad “she got through it.” I knew of Jill, but did not have her in any classes that I recall. That all changed for me in the summer of 2019 when she, Cris Cowette and myself decided to be a threesome and check out the 40th class reunion for PHHS class of 1979. Jill was still quiet, but there was something about her that was genuinely inspiring.

Jill has been very supportive of this class reunion and fellow classmates. I got to spend some time with her again at the funeral of classmate Carla Voerding. We became friends on Facebook and through her posts I learned more about this quiet woman from our class. We have gotten to talk some, but mostly I was learning about her from posts on Facebook. It was then I decided to get to know her better and asked to interview her because I had an inkling that she was doing something special. But before I got into that I asked her about the high school experience.

Jill said that entering 9th grade was hard because again she would have to meet students from other junior highs in north Minneapolis. A new set of teachers and administrators were also part of the experience. Her sophomore and junior years were less stressful as she became more familiar with her surroundings and the people she would be with for several hours each weekday. She told me that she really did not have any favorite teachers or classes, but told me that she enjoyed pepfests. Mr. Sylvester, however, noticed this shy young student and provided opportunities for her not only in class, but the touring shows where she was a production assistant. She told me that Mr. Sylvester was friendly, engaging and would greet you when he saw you in class or the halls of our alma mater. Jill also spoke fondly of her friend Brenda Heinz. Brenda supported her during her years at PHHS. She told me about a specific assignment in Mr. Bobgan’s art class. With encouragement and a bit of hands on help, Jill was able to complete an assignment that she may not otherwise have been able to do. They are still friends and stay in touch. Jill has no regrets from her experiences at PHHS, but she did say that she wished she would have gotten better grades. I don’t think that she is alone.

After high school Jill spent some time in Colorado. Family needed help with some nieces and nephews. She returned to her home state after her assistance was not longer needed. Jill pursued cosmetology, but discovered that; “her fingers would not cooperate”. She also tried Community College, but after a few credits, she decided that entering the workplace was a better option for her. Jill would work in the restaurant industry for several years until she found herself at Cub Foods. She has done cleaning, maintenance and even bagged groceries for those needing assistance. Her work there now is essential, especially during the COVID pandemic.

Jill has a daughter Amy from a previous marriage. Later she met a man named Tom Solheim at a Kowalski’s grocery store on 44th and Humbolt. Amanda, a daughter from Tom’s previous marriage was welcomed by Jill and they became a family. Shortly after Jill met Tom, there was a family crisis. Twins Jessica and Jenna were born to a family member of Tom’s who was unable to care for the children. Tom received a letter from Hennepin County requesting he consider fostering these twin girls until a suitable home could be found. Other family members were sent a similar letter, but it was Jill and Tom who thought they could provide a safe home for the baby girls. The three and a half month old twin girls arrived at their home on July 13, 2004. Amy and Amanda were teenagers when the baby girls arrived. Teenagers and now infant twins became part of the family. Jill knew there would be a lot to manage in the early days of the twins arrival. But the family decided these twins needed a family and hers would make any adjustments needed to make it work. Jill and Tom grew to loves these little ones so much that first year that they decided they wanted to be their forever home. So they decided to get married in 2005 and officially took steps for adoption in 2006.

After starting a new relationship with Tom, Jill had to entertain the idea of foster care at age 43 with a daughter age 14. She decided that it was a decision to consider carefully. Was she willing to make the sacrifices needed for infants entering her home? Was her daughter ready to share her mother not only with Tom, but now infant twin girls? Her incredible heart and willingness to help out made the decision easy. The process however, was not easy. Jill stated that she had to allow social workers into her home to do interviews with her and her family. She felt like she had to “dot her I’s and cross her T’s.” Once through the process of placement was over, Jill focused on the rewarding part of foster care. She wanted to be a part of providing a stable home for the twins to grow, learn, thrive and be loved unconditionally.

In a relatively short period of time, Jill and Tom decided to formally adopt the twins. It was important to Jill to continue to teach them and provide for needs only a stable home can provide. Even though it meant going to court and presenting their case to a judge, Jill and Tom wanted to become the legal parents of Jessica and Jenna. The twins are now 16 years old and doing well. The twins have been told they were adopted. Their biological mother sees the girls from time to time. It appears that she has turned her life around. Jill is thankful that there hasn’t been any problems throughout the years and is encouraged that the girls know about their beginnings.

Jill has been a role model to her daughters. Her volunteer work at her church, as a troop leader for the girl scouts and other activities are just a small part of the fine example she has set for what it takes to raise a family. Jill has raised them to do the best that they can with the hope that they will be solid citizens.

Jill’s interests include: movies, reading, music, games and family time. She is looking forward to our class reunion and hopes that we reach more of our classmates since we have another entire year to find classmates and get the word out. Our class was filled with students who were not only diverse in their ethnicity, but also their interests and gifts. Jill gift is that she is patient, kind and will work hard to help others. Her selfless act of providing a home for twin girls at a time they were the most vulnerable is something I felt needed to not only be shared with you, but celebrated. The contributions we have made in our families, workplaces and communities matters. I hope to share more stories as we prepare for our next reunion. I hope you are all as proud as I am to be a part of the PHHS class of 1980. Each one of us have made a difference in someones life and our high school experience is a large part of who we are today. Jill Lawrence even in her quiet way, makes me very proud of the Patriots from 1980.