Jennifer Carol Callies, aged 58, passed away on Thursday, October 13th, 2022, surrounded by her family after an unexpectedly short but fiercely tough-fought battle with cancer. Jennifer is survived by her loving husband Jeff, her son Riley and daughter Madison, her mother Maureen (a.k.a “Mo”), her older sisters Deb and Susie, her younger brother Mike, and countless other family and friends.
Jennifer was born Jennifer McWilliams in 1964 to father Chuck (now passed) and mother Maureen in Mississauga (formerly Cooksville) Ontario, Canada. Jennifer lived in Canada until age 15, at which time she moved to Lawton, Michigan with her mother and younger brother.
It was some years later while living in Michigan and working as a bartender that Jennifer met the man that would become her adoring husband, Jeff. Jennifer and Jeff went on to build a beautiful life together that included having their two children, Riley and Madison, their cozy home on Meadowsedge Lane, yearly snowmobiling trips, sneaking up to their cottage in Wisconsin whenever possible, and celebrating many beautiful moments surrounded by no end of loving family and adoring friends. Jennifer and Jeff celebrated their 34th wedding anniversary earlier this year on May 29th.
Jennifer, also known as Jenni, Jen, Jeta, and by many silly nicknames, was a beautifully nuanced and lively person. She was a talented bartender, a gardening and flower expert, an avid reader, a skilled bird-watcher, a fierce friend, and an exceptionally hard worker. She loved anything related to Barbie, Bigfoot, nature, and snowmobiling/ATVing (while always repping Arctic Cat gear). Jen adored Canada and her kooky Canadian family, and she took any opportunity to rep a maple leaf or the Canadian flag in her day-to-day life. She always enjoyed listening to Elvis and Prince, watching her favorite movies like Wedding Singer and Young Frankenstein, and tuning in to a good Blackhawks game. One of her favorite things in the world was enjoying a great bonfire and a Miller Lite while watching the sun set over Lake Petenwell with her husband Jeff.
Jennifer leaves behind a long and colorful legacy and has touched many people with her love, silliness, laughter, and unwavering generosity and kindness to anyone who crossed her path. She was not only a mother to her two loving children Riley and Madison, but also Riley’s partner Trista and Madison’s husband Tyler. Jen was also like a mother to countless friends of her children and other people she met in life, because Jen never hesitated to show unconditional love, support, and kindness to anyone who needed it.
There will be a Memorial Service held for Jennifer on Sunday, October 23rd from 1pm-4pm at DeFiore Funeral Home in Huntley, IL. We invite anyone to come honor Jen’s memory by stopping by to pay tribute. Flowers and other acknowledgements can also be sent directly to DeFiore Funeral Home. The family will also be hosting a Celebration of Life Ceremony for Jen sometime in the next several months, with more information to follow. Anyone is welcome to attend one or both ceremonies.
But we remember now in love,
Your life from start to end.
And we’re just glad we knew you.
As Mother, and as Friend.
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I will always love you Aunt Jenny. Say hi to Pops for me. Always and forever.
Our sincerest condolences Jeff, Riley, Madison. You have been blessed to have such a wonderful soul in your life and my heart breaks now that she is gone. Jenni, you have no equal. I miss you so much.
Truly an amazing and fun work partner…mine and my families thoughts and prayers are with her
Jeff, Riley, and Madison, I am so, so sorry for your loss. Jeta was always a favorite at the Callies reunions. Always fun, always out-going, and nice to everybody. Words cannot express our sympathies.
Our sympathy and love to you, Jeff, Riley and Madison for the loss of Jetta. No words can describe your loss but the wonderful memories of all the good times are a big help. Jetta kept us all entertained at the Callies Family Reunions with her humor. She always greeted Jim as her fellow Canadian which he loved. Jetta will always be missed!
Our sincere condolences to Jeff, Riley, Madison and all of your family. We had the pleasure of getting to know Jenny on her visits to Susie’s xo Great memories and laughs. Guy loved sharing his Maple syrup with Jenny. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
My sister, my heart. RIP Jen Jen. I will love you forever. xo xo xo
Thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Jenny was a great lady and will be missed by many.
Its a sad sad day to have someone taking from you that was so close. I know she will be remembered with smiles on everyones face. And GOD has a wonderful place for her. So continue on with all the love in your hearts because one day you will be all together again. Love Ko-Ko
My sister, I love you and I always will
Anyone who knew you, knows what a gigantic loss this is. We are so very sad. Your sparkly light will be kept safe in our hearts forever.
With heavy hearts, please know you are in our thoughts and prayers--our most sincere condolences Jeff, Riley, and Madison.
You will truly be missed by your Home Depot family Jen. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family.
I'm so sorry for your loss Jeffy, Riley and Maddie. Jetta was one of a kind!!!
Jeff, Maddie and Riley... I am so very sorry, words cannot express the sadness of losing J Jen so soon. She was a truly amazing friend and co worker at MFC. Cherish all the memories of the fun loving crazy girl she was. We will all miss her terribly
My deepest condolences to Sue, Mo, and all of the Family. R.I.P Jenny.
Sue, Mo and Jenni's sister and brother and family. I am so sorry for your loss. I met Jenni years ago at Sue and Rodger's wedding reception. She was a fun and beautiful person. My heart goes out to all of you. Big hugs Susie... ❤️❤️❤️
Jeff, Riley, and Madison; Our most sincere thoughts and prayers to you during this difficult time.
Jeff and Family Our sincere sympathies for your loss. Please know that you and your family are in our prayers. May God ease your grief with His strength and may He bless all of you. All our love to you and yours
Jeff and family. We are so sorry for your loss. Jeta was a wonderful person. It was a blessing to know her. She was always welcoming and fun to be around. Sending our love and prayers.
Our sincerest condolences on such a heartbreaking loss. In our hearts forever.
To Soon My Sweet Sis ;(
Our heartfelt condolences to Jeff and his family during this time of loss. Jeff you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
May your happy memories give you peace and comfort during this unimaginable time. Sending healing prayers and comfort to all of you.
Sis-in -law, I will miss your Love, Kindness and Humor. Never Forgotten :(
RIP Mama Jen! Your orange family loves you and you will be dearly missed. My condolences to Jeff, Riley, and Madison. Your mom and wife have inspired so many people in a positive way.
I am so sorry for your loss, Jeffy, Riley & Madison. Jetta was an amazing person and always one of our favorite people. Love & Hugs to you and all your family.
Jeff, Riley and Madison I am so sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to seeing Jeta at our family reunions at Fireside and Potato Lake. She will be missed greatly.
The world is a much emptier place with out Jen, she was like a big sister to me, I learned so much from her, I miss her so much. I love ya big Jen!! My thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
Sending strength and light to the family in these times, Jens energy for life was unequaled and always sought to make people laugh or feel good every day. Still at loss for words, Rest well Jen.
Jeff, Riley and Madison we are so very sorry for you and your whole family. Jen was a beautiful person inside and out. We will be praying for you all and sending healing thoughts.
Jeff, Riley and Madison we are so very sorry for you and your whole family. Jen was a beautiful person inside and out. We will be praying for you all and sending healing thoughts.
Jeff, Riley and Madison we are so very sorry for you and your whole family. Jen was a beautiful person inside and out. We will be praying for you all and sending healing thoughts.
Our hearts are broken with the loss of such a wonderful woman.mother and wife. Wish we could be there but know you are all in our hearts and prayers. Love you all and thinking of all the good times we all had on Meadowsedge.
Words cannot convey the loss you must be feeling. So sorry Jeff for you and your family. What an amazing woman! I havent seen you in a while, but you are still warmly in my heart! Prayers for you, my friend!
Jeff, Riley and Madison I am so sorry for your loss. I always looked forward to seeing Jeta at our family reunions at Fireside and Potato Lake. She will be missed greatly.
Jeff, Riley and Madison we are so very sorry for you and your whole family. Jen was a beautiful person inside and out. We will be praying for you all and sending healing thoughts.
I am so sorry to hear about Jenni... time passes so quickly and unfortunately, due to sad circumstances, I only knew Jenni and a child... I hope that she lived a good life... Uncle Gary
I am shocked and saddened by this news. I have not see Jenny since Chucks funeral, I am sorry to say. My condolences to the family.
My deepest condolences to your entire family. I have nothing but wonderful memories of Jenni and I growing up, we were the best of friends and inseparable in our younger years. Not only am I in shock with this sad news but also my heart is very saddened by the news. I will keep these beautiful memories in my heart forever. RIP Jenni love your cousin Lorrie ❤️
My deepest condolences to your entire family. I have nothing but wonderful memories of Jenni and I growing up, we were the best of friends and inseparable in our younger years. Not only am I in shock with this sad news but also my heart is very saddened by the news. I will keep these beautiful memories in my heart forever. RIP Jenni love your cousin Lorrie ❤️
While we lost touch as adults, I too have extremely happy, fond and loving memories of the times we shared as kids with Jenni and her siblings. My heart is deeply touched and saddened by the memories, yet it warms my heart to hear what a full and generous life she shared with so many who were truly blessed by her beautiful soul. Sending tons of love, prayers and tears to all my McWilliams cousins and my Auntie Mo! Love David Rynard
Jeff, Riley, and madison. I just found out that jen had passed away. We had so many good times, but time slips away so fast and we had not talked for several years. I was thinking about her during my daughters wedding in October, and said, I'm going to call her after this is over. While both of us were marrying off our babies, We were having such joyous memories. I cannot believe she is gone, but know that as I, she will stay deep in your hearts. I wish we had talked. Love and kisses to you all.
Thinking about you on your birthday Jen , the sun just does not shine as bright without you in the world.
Thinking about you on your birthday Jen , the sun just does not shine as bright without you in the world.
Thinking about you on your birthday Jen , the sun just does not shine as bright without you in the world.
Thinking about you on your birthday Jen , the sun just does not shine as bright without you in the world.
Thinking about you on your birthday Jen , the sun just does not shine as bright without you in the world.
Thinking about you on your birthday Jen , the sun just does not shine as bright without you in the world.
Thinking about you on your birthday Jen , the sun just does not shine as bright without you in the world.