Jennifer Lynn Pizano

**Jennifer Lynn "Jenny" Pizano (née Haymaker), 52**

*November 16, 1972 – September 2, 2025*

Jennifer Lynn "Jenny" Pizano passed away on September 2, 2025, in her hometown of Waukegan, Illinois, at the age of 52. Born and adopted on November 16, 1972, also in Waukegan, Jenny lived a life full of vibrant energy, deep devotion to family and friends, and an unmistakable passion for racing at Great Lakes Dragaway with treasured heartfelt connections.

Jenny's world revolved around her beloved son Gabriel and his kind father, German Pizano-Jenny's husband and widower. Together they built a family rooted in love, laughter, and shared adventures. Jenny's heart overflowed with pride for Gabe, and her love for him was evident in every decision she made. Her spirit will live on through him.

She was embraced by the Pizano family after graduating high school. Her in-laws Josefina (and Jenny's caregiver) and Jesus Pizano held a special place in her heart, as did their children-Daisy Pizano Ortiz and Jesse Pizano. Daisy was not only Jenny's sister-in-law but also her cherished and very close friend. Daisy's husband Jamie Ortiz was part of that circle of love, and their daughter Josie Ortiz brought Jenny immense joy as her beloved niece who affectionately called her "TT Jenny."

Jenny's roots were deeply intertwined with the Geske family through her adored mother Lynn Haymaker (née Geske), who preceded her in death. Jenny shared a treasured bond with her cousin Lori (née Geske) Michuda, whom, along with her parents, Tom and Terri, helped care for Jenny during her hospital stays. Lori's brothers Tim and David were also deeply loved by Jenny. Jenny's Uncle Tom and Aunt Terri were pillars of lifelong support-with Uncle Tom sharing Jenny's love for classic cars-and his sister, Aunt Kathy in Tampa, remained close to Jenny's heart along with Kathy's daughters Amy Rowe and Lisa O'Hara.

On her father Phil Haymaker's side, Jenny found joy in the company of her Uncle Bob-Robert Haymaker-her "classic car show bestie." Their shared passion for vintage automobiles created countless memories. Uncle Bob's daughter Rhonda (née Haymaker) Reyes was a close cousin who shared a lifelong bond with Jenny through both of them being adopted and also their love and passion for photography and motherhood. Rhonda continues to offer unwavering love and support to Gabe and the entire family. Uncle Bob loved sharing stories with Jenny about his super kind grandchildren-Jeweleah Reyes, Brandon Reid, and Caitlin (née Reid) Moreno.

Jenny held dear many members of the Haymaker family across Indiana and beyond-including Sharon Petie Muir, Marcia Haymaker Fowler, and all the cousins she loved so much. She also remembered fondly her "Uncle Shaft," Darrell Rowlett (widower of Aunt Phyllis), along with their sons Ray and Jesse Rowlett-childhood companions with Jenny and Rhonda that shared many youthful adventures.

Jenny was preceded in death by many beloved family members who shaped her life: her mother Lynn; father Phil Haymaker; stepmother Fran; cherished Aunts Nancy and Cheryl; Uncle Don (husband of Aunt Kathy); Grandma Catherine who once lived with Jenny and Lynn in their Bonnie Brook home; Aunt Phyllis (née Haymaker) Rowlett; grandparents Wilma & Wilson "Mamaw & Papaw" Haymaker; Grandma Ellen (née Kirkpatrick) Mazlow; Aunt Joy; and Uncle John.

Among Jenny's favorite passions was drag racing-a thrill she proudly shared with Gabe and German. She raced her beloved blue 1977 Pontiac Firebird Formula, affectionately named "Herbird," at Great Lakes Dragaway for many years. Ladies Night races were especially meaningful to her, where she found camaraderie with fellow racers like Deb Dean Blagg and Amy Stephan. Gabe fondly recalls cheering alongside his mom as they watched Deb race her orange Cougar with BSquad Racing.

Jenny also enjoyed bowling with longtime friend Tex Williamson-her loyal bowling partner through thick and thin. Their friendship was marked by shared stories, mutual support during hard times, and countless games played side by side.

Looking ahead, Jenny's family is working closely with Great Lakes Dragaway to plan future events honoring her legacy-especially on Ladies Night-the very nights she cherished racing "Herbird." These tributes will celebrate not only her love for racing but also the community she helped build around it.

In honoring Jenny's memory, we hold space for healing-especially for Gabe-and extend gratitude to all who have offered kindness during this time. From his high school support staff to his closest friends' families, your compassion has meant everything.

With deep love and remembrance, we say Jenny's name daily. Her spirit remains ever-present-in roaring engines at the track, in laughter shared among cousins, in hugs exchanged between generations-and most especially in the heart of her son.

May Jennifer Lynn "Jenny" Pizano be forever remembered for the light she brought into our lives. A Visitation will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 09:00 AM to 10:00 AM at St. Dismas Catholic Church/Little Flower Parish located at 2600 Sunset Avenue, Waukegan, IL. All are welcome and invited to pay your respects and stories of Jenny to her close family members and friends. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM at St. Dismas Catholic Church/Little Flower Parish located at 2600 Sunset Avenue, Waukegan, IL. A Funeral Luncheon will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:30 AM at Redeemer Lutheran Church located at 620 W Grove Avenue, Waukegan, IL. Jenny's Funeral Luncheon is held in Redeemer's Fellowship Hall. Join her family members and friends to view additional pictures and to share her life stories while enjoying a delicious meal that is catered by Louie's Restaurant.

Donations can also be made via the link below to help uplift Jenny's community and family:

https://gofund.me/2a2fa1468