Jennifer Anne Vorsteg

Jennifer Anne Salmon Vorsteg, 57, loving wife; devoted daughter, sister, and sister-outlaw; doting aunt; and fiercely fun-loving and loyal friend; lived fully until she passed from our midst on August 17, 2023.

Jennifer was born June 2, 1966 in Münchweiler, Germany, where her father served in the military. The family moved often throughout her childhood. She spent significant years in Germany and Korea, learning to make friends easily along the way and cultivating the signature warmth and grace that made her so easy to love. Eventually the family settled in Springfield, VA, where she graduated from West Springfield High School in 1984. She earned her B.S. in Business from Virginia Tech in 1988. 

A summer job with the Army during college helped her discover an interest in law enforcement and criminal investigation that she would go on to pursue as a career. After graduation from college and a brief stint as a private investigator then intelligence analyst with the Army, her law enforcement career began at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission in the Office of the Inspector General. She later joined the FDA’s Office of Criminal Investigation in 1999 and served in a variety of roles, ultimately promoted in 2012 to Assistant Special Agent in Charge in the Metro Washington Field Office. 

Jennifer absolutely loved her work. She was proud to serve the public and did so with passion and distinction. On June 30, 2023, after 34 years of federal government service, she retired with plans to enjoy a life of travel and leisure with her husband, Jimmy Vorsteg.

Jimmy and Jennifer, life partners and best friends, were happily married 17 years. They made a lovely home in Ellicott City, Maryland, which Jennifer appointed inside and out with art, furniture, flowers, and greenery that created an inviting haven of warmth and relaxation. They enjoyed spending time with friends and family there and abroad, together and separately.

Jennifer’s interests were many. She loved and lived ardently. She had a passion for animals, especially dogs—mini schnauzers, in particular—and horses, which she rode and kept throughout her life. She hoped to volunteer in animal rescue upon her retirement. She relished fine food, especially of the Italian variety, wine, music, going to live concerts, and dancing. She liked quieter things, too—cross stitch and reading, particularly mystery and suspense novels, of which she maintained a vast collection.

Jennifer is adored and missed by a large circle of longtime and closely held friends, who came to count on her unfailing kindness and wit. Her unflagging patience and sense of humor, quiet wisdom and intelligence made her a family favorite among a large array of nieces and nephews on both sides.

She is survived by her husband, Jimmy; her mother and stepfather, Judy and Lou Buhrmaster of Scotia, NY; her uncle and aunt, Bruce and Maralie Rowell of Wescosville, PA; siblings, Jeff Salmon (Christine) of Hardy, VA, John Buhrmaster (Leslie) of Scotia, NY, Diana D’Eredita of Clay, NY, James Buhrmaster (MaryBeth) of Glenmont, NY, and Laura Dieterich of Scotia, NY; a large clan of Vorsteg in-laws (and outlaws); more than 3 dozen nieces and nephews; her beloved dogs, Janie and Red; and her horse, Monty. Jennifer is predeceased by her father Joe Salmon.

We are at once heartbroken to have had Jennifer taken from us so soon and grateful to have had the chance to know and love her as we did. 

The family asks that memorial donations be made to: 

Days End Farm Horse Rescue

1372 Woodbine Road

Woodbine, MD 21797

Mailing Address: 

PO Box 309, 

Lisbon, MD 21765

www.defhr.org 

METAvivor Research and Support, Inc.

Metastatic Breast Cancer Research, Support, and Awareness

1783 Forest Drive #184

Annapolis, MD 21401

www.metavivor.org 

SERVICES

Visitation

Friday, August 25, 2023, 6:00-8:30 p.m. 

Donaldson Funeral Home of Clarksville, P.A.

12540 Clarksville Pk (Rt 108)

Clarksville, MD 21029

(301) 854-0095

Funeral Service

Saturday, August 26, 2023, 12:30 p.m. 

Our Lady of Perpetual Help

4795 Ilchester Rd 

Ellicott City, MD 21043

(410) 747-4334

Reception immediately following service at Danny and Karen Vorsteg’s home

8711 Wrights Mill Rd

Windsor Mill, MD 21244

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