Jennifer U Zacarias
1975 - 2025
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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Jennifer Zacarias-Carlson, 49, of Chicago, Illinois after a courageous fight with ovarian cancer. She will be missed by her husband Troy Carlson, family and friends.
Jennifer was born on December 26, 1975. She grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago. She was predeceased by her beloved father Manuel Sr (May 1997). Jennifer is survived by her loving mother Ellen Zacarias, brother Manny and his wife Mickey Zacarias, and sister Mandy Turner. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Krista, and her husband Dan (Ret. CPD) Gillespie, as well as her nieces and nephews: Danny (CFD), Ryan (CFD), Brian, Matthew, Jasmine, Cyrus, Abbagale, Jocelyn, Andreu, Kaden, Addison, Emilie, Ezra and Charlie.
Jennifer went to Hibbard Grade School, attended junior high at Von Steuben, graduated from Mather High School, and obtained her bachelor's degree from Northeastern Illinois University in 2006.
Always up for an adventure, she married Troy Carlson on a Leap Year - February 29th, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of their favorite jokes was that they recently celebrated their 4th wedding anniversary.
Jennifer started her career in marketing at Flair Communications Agency where she found her love for event planning. Over the past two decades, she has been invaluable in her role as Director of Operations for the M. Fishman & Company, and prioritized her relationships with her "work family."
She was happiest when she was planning events, whether it be for work, her and Troy's famous Hotel Keelerfornia Halloween parties, or brainstorming for a birthday party - where she added all the special touches and goodie bags that made it extra thoughtful. She also enjoyed her altruistic endeavors, including Care for Friends where she provided meals and supplies to people in need.
Perhaps Jennifer's favorite and most rewarding role in life was bringing joy to her chosen children and eight godchildren that she and Troy adopted with their hearts. Jennifer was affectionately known as Jenny Mommy or Ninny to Grace and Everett. She was known as a Bonus Mom to Hannah. She loved, spoiled and guided these children and many others with all the devotion of a second mother. Her radiance was felt by all who had the opportunity to know her.
We have lost someone extraordinary. Jennifer carried that rare combination of kindness, wisdom, street smarts and humor. Her beautiful spirit will live on in all of us.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Irish American Heritage Center on October 25, 2025 from 2pm-8pm.
**In lieu of flowers or trees please donate below**
https://gofund.me/e85cb22f9
Jennifer was born on December 26, 1975. She grew up on the Northwest side of Chicago. She was predeceased by her beloved father Manuel Sr (May 1997). Jennifer is survived by her loving mother Ellen Zacarias, brother Manny and his wife Mickey Zacarias, and sister Mandy Turner. She is also survived by her sister-in-law Krista, and her husband Dan (Ret. CPD) Gillespie, as well as her nieces and nephews: Danny (CFD), Ryan (CFD), Brian, Matthew, Jasmine, Cyrus, Abbagale, Jocelyn, Andreu, Kaden, Addison, Emilie, Ezra and Charlie.
Jennifer went to Hibbard Grade School, attended junior high at Von Steuben, graduated from Mather High School, and obtained her bachelor's degree from Northeastern Illinois University in 2006.
Always up for an adventure, she married Troy Carlson on a Leap Year - February 29th, 2008 in Las Vegas, Nevada. One of their favorite jokes was that they recently celebrated their 4th wedding anniversary.
Jennifer started her career in marketing at Flair Communications Agency where she found her love for event planning. Over the past two decades, she has been invaluable in her role as Director of Operations for the M. Fishman & Company, and prioritized her relationships with her "work family."
She was happiest when she was planning events, whether it be for work, her and Troy's famous Hotel Keelerfornia Halloween parties, or brainstorming for a birthday party - where she added all the special touches and goodie bags that made it extra thoughtful. She also enjoyed her altruistic endeavors, including Care for Friends where she provided meals and supplies to people in need.
Perhaps Jennifer's favorite and most rewarding role in life was bringing joy to her chosen children and eight godchildren that she and Troy adopted with their hearts. Jennifer was affectionately known as Jenny Mommy or Ninny to Grace and Everett. She was known as a Bonus Mom to Hannah. She loved, spoiled and guided these children and many others with all the devotion of a second mother. Her radiance was felt by all who had the opportunity to know her.
We have lost someone extraordinary. Jennifer carried that rare combination of kindness, wisdom, street smarts and humor. Her beautiful spirit will live on in all of us.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Irish American Heritage Center on October 25, 2025 from 2pm-8pm.
**In lieu of flowers or trees please donate below**
https://gofund.me/e85cb22f9
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Jennifer U Zacarias, please visit our flower store.
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