Jacquelyn M. Ahrendt (Jackie), 41, passed away Friday, August 21, 2026. Jackie was born on December 18, 1984, in Victory Memorial Hospital in Waukegan, IL and grew up in Lake Villa and Libertyville, IL. Jackie went on to earn a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Northern Illinois University and became licensed in Illinois as a Registered Nurse. In 2008, Jackie began her nursing career at Swedish American Hospital in Rockford, Illinois and held nursing positions at various companies over the years. Aside from nursing, she was passionate about reading and writing in her free time. Most recently, Jackie’s writing primarily consisted of documenting her cancer journey and sharing details through social media. She was open, honest and transparent so that others may benefit from things she had already learned including uncertainty and fear of the future. Jackie was a cancer warrior who sought to help others who find themselves in a similar situation. Jackie valued family, friends, career, and traveling. The family went on numerous road trips for BMX events in which the kids competed. Jackie was Kaylie’s and Jake’s biggest cheerleader in all they did in the BMX world, academics and school sporting events.

On October 4, 2008, Jackie met Brian Cerasa. Jackie and Brian share two beautiful children, Kaylie and Jacob Cerasa, both born in Rockford, Illinois. Jackie’s mother, Brenda Ahrendt, passed away when Jackie was only eighteen, thus establishing her interest in medicine and helping people. Her father, Robert Ahrendt, still survives along with his wife Louise. They currently live in Henderson, Nevada. Jackie loved the mountains and outdoors and on October 4, 2023, Jackie and Brian were married in Seymour, Tennessee at a beautiful location in the country.

To honor Jackie’s life, there will be a celebration held on October 4, 2026, from 1:30pm to 4:00pm at The Bricks Venue Center, 125 Walnut Street, Cherry Valley, IL, 61016. Light snacks and refreshments will be available. At 2pm, guests will be welcomed and an open microphone will be available for anyone who would like to share fond memories of Jackie.