Jacqueline "Big J" Zafer

Family and friends will certainly agree, Jacqueline "Jackie" Zafer made the most of every moment – never taking a blessing for granted. Nothing was more important to Jackie than holding her loved ones close, going above and beyond to care for others. Her zest for life could be felt by all those around her as a radiant light who shined in the community. Deeply loved, Jackie will be forever missed and remembered.

On March 18th of 1935, Jacqueline made her entrance into the world. She was raised in the family home on Taylor Street in the city of Chicago as an only child. Growing up, Jackie was deeply connected to her Italian heritage and tight-knit community. Jackie's parents were excellent models of generosity, often inviting guests into their home and welcoming family members to live with them.

After studying for a year at Mundelein College (now part of Loyola University), Jackie left home to attend the University of Miami. She was a member of the Delta Gamma sorority and loved the weather, ocean, and all that Miami had to offer, including memorable hurricane parties. Proud to be the first in her family to graduate college, Jackie earned her bachelor's degree in English. She stepped into her true calling and became an elementary school teacher. Teaching meant more to Jackie than a job; she loved her students as if they were her own children.

It wasn't long before Jackie met the love of her life, George Zafer, a young salesman at the time. The two were introduced by her Uncle Jim Zullo, "George, I have a really cute niece. Would you like to meet her?" Jackie was immediately drawn to George's charm and good looks and their relationship flourished into deep love. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Jackie and George married in October 1961 and honeymooned in Acapulco. Over the years, the Zafers, as they were affectionately known, made beautiful memories during trips to California, Arizona, Florida, Texas, The Bahamas, Mexico, El Salvador, and Greece, often with friends or family by their side. Jackie and George frequented wine tastings and befriended winemakers wherever they traveled. They also loved visiting lifelong friends at the Kentucky Derby.

Jackie's family was her biggest priority in life as well as her greatest source of joy. She and George were overjoyed to welcome their four children – Nick, Michael, Andrea, and Cathy – into their hearts and home. Jackie thrived as a mother and homemaker who was actively involved and always engaged and present in the lives of her children. A typical Italian mother, Jackie was an amazing cook and no one who visited left hungry. Many weekends, Jackie's parents would visit, bringing with them freshly baked Italian pastries and breads, and everyone would sit down for a home-cooked Sunday meal. She even hosted a political fundraiser in her home for a future Cook County Assessor and Illinois State Senator. Holidays were spent with family and friends when Jackie showcased her famous talents as a hostess. She enjoyed decorating the house and preparing delicious dinners on Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and New Year's Day.

Later in life, Jackie was thrilled to become a grandmother. She travelled to see her grandchildren as soon as they were born. Jackie adored her grandkids and doted on them whenever she could. She always considered herself blessed to watch her family grow to include so many loved ones.

Never one to shy away from a challenge, Jackie was not afraid to work hard to provide for herself and her family. When her kids were young, she worked part-time at Lord & Taylor, mostly to get a discount on their clothing. Once her children were older, Jackie followed her heart back to teaching at Buffalo Grove Park District's preschool. She stayed involved in the schools and volunteered for many years. Jackie took charge of running her own business, Election Services Incorporated, handling elections for union officers. She had contracts across the country to provide voting machines, documents and supplies. Jackie also spent time working in a local nursing home, helping the elderly.

There were so many things that brought joy to Jackie's life including her bridge club with friends and her prized Cadillacs. Jackie was a master in the kitchen, especially known for her homemade pasta sauce, lasagna, and stuffed artichokes. Two of her favorite restaurants, Lou Malnati's Pizzeria and Portillo's, were on her speed-dial, and the workers knew her by name. Hair and makeup were a priority to present her best foot forward, even in the ICU. Despite being petite, her nickname, "Big J," suited her larger-than-life personality that lit up every room.

When reflecting on the life of Jacqueline Zafer, it is easy to see her unwavering strength and unconditional love for friends and family. She exemplified kindness and generosity. Everyone was welcome in her home, no one remaining a stranger for long. A devoted wife, mother, and grandmother, Jackie cherished her family above all else. Her heart of service to the children she taught and those in her community allowed her to impact the lives of countless others for the better. Already greatly missed, Jackie leaves a priceless legacy that her loved ones will proudly carry forward.

Jacqueline Zafer of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, age 90, died on August 21, 2025. She was preceded in death by her husband, George Zafer; and her parents, Angelo and Clara (Decina) Armonda. Surviving are her children: Nicholas (Laurie) Zafer, Michael Zafer, Andrea (Cameron) Evans, and Catherine (Randy) Zafer-Fredericks; and grandsons: Nicholas and Andrew; niece: Dia (Daniel); and cousin, Gary (Betty) Zullo.

Visitation will be held Sunday, September 7, from 2-4 PM with a Prayer Service at 4 PM at Kolssak Funeral Home, 189 S. Milwaukee Ave., Wheeling, IL. Mass will be celebrated at 11 AM (with visitation beginning at 10 AM) at St. Mary Catholic Church, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL. Burial will follow at Elmwood Cemetery.

Flowers may be delivered either to Kolssak Funeral Home or St. Mary Catholic Church. Memorial contributions in Jackie's name may be made to OMNI Youth Services (www.omni4all.org), Saint Mary Parish (www.stmarybg.org), or a charity of your choice.

Celebrate Jackie's life online by sharing your favorite stories and photos on her dedicated webpage at BetzlerLifeStory.com.