Anna Marie Shlachter (Hills), age 45, passed away on February 14, 2026, in Highland Park, Illinois, after a courageous battle with metastatic breast cancer. Born on March 7, 1980, in Paris, Illinois, Anna lived a life defined by compassion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to helping others.

Anna pursued her passion for nutrition and health through education and service. She earned her Bachelor of Science from Eastern Illinois University and went on to complete her Master of Science at Illinois State University. Her professional journey reflected her deep commitment to advancing the field of dietetics and supporting the next generation of professionals.

Anna's love of Nutrition and Dietetics was a big part of who she was. She held many roles throughout her career, at the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, ENC, WIC, and the VA which allowed her to mentor others and push forward the love of her field. 

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Anna was known for her warmth, resilience, and deep love for those around her. Her husband Joshua, who had been her partner since March 2001, was the center of her world. To him, she was both a warm ray of light and an unshakable rock. Their bond was one built on mutual respect, laughter, shared dreams—and an enduring love that carried them through every challenge.

Anna found family not only through blood but through heart. Joshua's family fully embraced her as a daughter, sister, cousin, and niece; the Trimble family offered steadfast love and support and a place the door was always open for good stories and food; and over the years Anna cultivated friendships so deep they became chosen family. Her connections were genuine and lasting—built on kindness, loyalty, and shared memories.

She cherished simple joys: Hallmark Christmas movies that brought comfort during long winters and July; beloved animals who were part of her daily life; with her strong love of family and friends she never forgot a birthday even through her battles. For Anna, presence mattered more than presents.

Even in death, Anna’s spirit continues to give. Honoring her wishes to contribute to medical research so she could keep teaching others and fighting metastatic breast cancer beyond this life, she donated her remains to science—a final act of generosity from someone who gave so much throughout her life.

Donations in Anna’s memory may be made to METAvivor at https://metavivor.org—a cause close to her heart.

Anna’s legacy lives on in every life she touched—with knowledge shared, love given freely, and endless positivity—and in the enduring impact of a woman who believed deeply in making each moment count. May her memory bring comfort to all who knew and loved her. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on February 21, 2026, from 04:00 PM to 07:00 PM at Centre at North Park 10040 Addison St. Franklin Park, IL 60131

Open House will be at her home if you would like to stop over

• Sunday 12PM - 6PM
• Monday 3PM - 7PM

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