Vanessa L. Cardone (Jaacks), age 41, no longer has Carcinoid Cancer to take over her body and on February 11, 2016 at Community North Hospital in Indianapolis, Indiana let the beast go…she is now free of pain and cancer smiling with the angels in heaven. “When you die it does not mean that you lose to cancer. You beat cancer by how you live, why you live, and in the manner in which you live.”
Vanessa entered the world April 9th, 1974 at Evanston Hospital in Evanston, Illinois. She is survived by her parents; Gerald and Linda Jaacks, her brother Jason Jaacks, her sister Shannon Harlan (Jaacks) and brother-in-law Matt Harlan, her three wonderful nephews: Brody, Dylan, and Zachary, her Great-grandmother, Anne Guzi, her life-long friends and dearest friend, Dawn McNulty(King) who visited her while she was in the hospital, held her hand, shared memories, and sang to her, and her best friend ever, Maggie May her Chihuahua.
Vanessa was a monarch in everything she accomplished. She obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology while battling cancer. She was the Retail Manager for Cracker Barrel in Arizona for over 5 years and was loved and respected by all of her employees.
Vanessa continued her life’s journey by relocating to Irvington, Indiana to help care for her sister, Shannon’s three boys. She gave those boys so much love and they will always remember their Auntie Vanessa with wonderful, happy memories. There will be a “Celebration of Life” at the Benton House, 312 S. Downey Avenue, Indianapolis, Indiana on April 9th from 2:00 pm to 9:00 pm on her 42nd birthday in memory of Vanessa. “Butterflies are Free”
What though the radiance
which was once so bright
Be now for ever taken from my sight,
Though nothing can bring back the hour
Of splendor in the grass,
of glory in the flower,
We will grieve not, rather find
Strength in what remains behind;
Nothing left to do but smile, smile, smile Vanessa’s contagious smile changed the world.
Dawn McNulty says
Vanessa was so loved and is so deeply missed by all. She is forever in our hearts and “while silent, her spirit echoes still.”
Mom says
Love you sweetie pie I will always have you in my heart
Linda and Peter Drennen says
I remember when we met and learned that Vanessa lived right up behind you. I remember thinking how great that was that you are all so close. Then I remember when you all found out that she had cancer and the brave attitude that you all had that it was not going to win. She definitely face cancer in the face and fought like crazy for years. Peter and I are so sad that she has finally succumbed to this terrible disease. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Kristin Ziemba says
Beautiful sentiment for a beauty soul. Love and light to all the Jaacks.
Alison Monte Rashedi says
I have always considered Vanessa to have been my best friend throughout High School. I also struggled w/ illness through these yrs and we haven’t been in touch, I feel, as a result of our illnesses. I worried about her and hoped she would have remission. Knowing she lived in such pain for so long, and completely understanding what a struggle it is, makes her passing easier to accept. I know she’s smiling that awesome smile. I am so glad she made me laugh and feel loved. We are all so lucky we had her in our lives. I believe in focusing on the time and memories we do have, rather than look at the time we lost…
Kathy Morris says
Dear Jaacks family,
Our hearts grieve along with you. Vanessa has left a memorable spot in this life. She will be missed. Praying for peace and comfort. Sending hugs…
kim says
I remember Vanessa in high school with her happy smile and when we took the bus, always such a cheerful girl, and the girl had style!!! I always was amazed how she put everything together!! My condolences to her family…
Laura Janson says
I will love you forever sweet Vanessa. You were an amazing friend and I have the best memories of great times with you. I close my eyes and can see you smiling. Be free butterfly.❤️❤️❤️
Debra Fadely says
Sweet Linda,
I am so moved by your love for your daughter. Your words are wonderful. You are wonderful. I will have you close to my heart for as long as you need me.
Debra
Kristie (Wolodkin) Gunther says
Linda and Jerry –
I am so very sorry to hear of the loss of your beautiful daughter, Vanessa. I hope in the midst of all the sadness, your faith, family and friends give you comfort and the strength you need in the coming days. My condolences to all.
Terry McGowan says
Very sad here in California,pretty sure I met her,but didn’t know her,my fault of course.She has true beauty,so sorry to hear this Linda and Jerry and Mrs G.Bless you all.
Terry McGowan says
I would also like to add,my dear parents always spoke highly of both Vanessa and her sister when they came back from gatherings next door.
Bobbi Dare (Roy) says
Linda and Jerry, I don’t know if you remember me, but I was one of her best friends in high school .I moved away senior year but she came to my wedding in Ridgefield..we spent so much time together, she was my best friend I loved her dearly.. I tried to find her on and off over the years but I never seem to be able to reconnect with her. ON the 25th of February my brother located her on Facebook , I was so happy I went to write a message and see if we could reconnect, but what I found was her obituary I cannot tell you the devastation I feel and the sorrow for not trying harder to find her over the years. I would have loved to have been at her side and I am so sorry for your loss .she made me laugh and she was the best friend anybody could ask for! I am so sorry !her smile was like a magnet she drew people to her everywhere she went!I would love to be able to come to her celebration of life on her birthday.. my love and prayers to your family. I am so happy she was surrounded by a great family and great friends!