Illyana Jacko
January 21, 1996 – February 8, 2025
A memorial will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to https://www.gofundme.com/f/aid-in-memory-of-illyana-jackojarvis.
Obituary
Age 29 of Kalamazoo, passed away Saturday evening, February 8. 2025. Illyana was born in Ft. Wayne, IN on January 21, 1996, the daughter of Timothy and Amanda (Barnhart) Jacko. On September 7, 2024, she married Charles “Chuck” Elliott who survives her. Illyana was an avid reader. She also enjoyed bowling. She and Chuck had recently returned from their honeymoon in the Bahamas. Besides her husband, Illyana is survived by her father, Timothy Jacko; mother, Amanda Helwig; siblings, Shaylee Jacko, Dane Jacko, Allison Jacko, Kaileena Ledford, Jordan Helwig; several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews; and countless friends.
Chuck and family, My prayers go out to you all!! Illyana will leave a huge void in so many lives. Having her as a student in our Culinary class was truly an honor. Illyana could brighten a room up with her contagious smile and her laugh. Illyana was instrumental in competing in a FCCLA competition with her best friend (Drew) in class. spending hours to build a fundraiser for Jeri Tapper a Van Buren County Dispatcher during her battle with Cancer in 2015. The girls raised over $11,000.00 dollars. She was so proud and Jeri meant so much to them (from stranger to friend) both girls got matching tattoos after Jeri’s passing. Illyana leaves a huge legacy and anyone who was able to get to know her will never forget what a special wife, friend, daughter, granddaughter, cousin etc. she has made a huge difference in such a short time. Hang on to the memories!!! Diana-VBT Culinary Arts