Susan Jane (nee Mays) Zbacnik, age 70 of Fox River Grove, passed away peacefully at home on July 29, 2022, after a courageous 7-year battle with pancreatic cancer. Susan was born in 1952 and grew up in Pine Brook, New Jersey. Susan met Ed in New Jersey in 1981 and then briefly lived in Pasadena, California, married and then returned to New Jersey, moved to Wappingers Falls, New York for 10 years, and for the last 27 years lived in Fox River Grove, Illinois.

While living in Illinois, she attended University of Illinois Chicago and received a bachelor’s degree followed by a master’s Degree in Social Work. This sparked her passion for working with children, and she became a social worker and play therapist who helped children and teenagers. Susan loved animals. She had a horse while growing up, bull terriers while in New Jersey and New York, and cats for the last 37 years. Susan loved arts and crafts, including stamping, knitting, crocheting, painting with watercolors. Susan loved the outdoors with bicycling, camping and kayaking. Susan also enjoyed reading, playing piano and gardening.

Susan was an amazing woman of strength, courage and love. She was a creative and talented painter especially with watercolors. During her struggle with pancreatic cancer, she continued her work and was active in the Northwest Community Hospital Pancreatic Cancer Support Group. For the last couple years Susan was retired and was a volunteer at Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital where she played piano during lunchtime on Fridays.

Susan will be lovingly remembered by her husband of 38 years, Ed Zbacnik, and her children Elizabeth and Daniel Zbacnik. Susan is preceded in death by her sister and parents. Susan will be dearly missed by her family, nieces, nephews, former coworkers and the countless lives she impacted over the years.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Susan’s memory to Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN) or the cat shelter Tarzan’s Safe Haven. There will be a wake and celebration of Susan’s life on August 4th at Kahle-Moore Funeral Home in Cary, IL, with visitation 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM and concluding with a short Memorial Service Friday, August 5 at 10:00 AM. After the service Susan will be cremated.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/susan-zbacnik/obituary/

Copy