Jaye Carey - 86

Flossmoor, Illinois

Jaye Ellen Carey (née Schnaufer) 86, of Flossmoor, Illinois, passed away at 2 pm on Jan 13, 2024, at Hinsdale Hospital in Hinsdale, Illinois.  She was born to the late Eugenia and Peter Schnaufer on February 15, 1938, in Milwaukee, Wi. She married James Carey of Des Moines, Iowa, on September 3,1960, and he survives.

Surviving besides her husband are their three children: Pamela (Don Mackenzie) of Cincinnati, Trish (Mark Wiegard) of Downers Grove, and Laura (Jeff Renzetti) of Chicago Heights.  Her grandchildren are Trevor Wiegard of Chicago, Monica (Kevin Windisch) of Westmont, Meredith Zukor (Matt Blume) of Cincinnati, and Nick Renzetti of Chicago Heights.

Jaye met her husband, Jim, at Drake University, where she was studying to become an art teacher. She always had a passion for art, having studied at the School of the Art Institute while in high school. She continued to create ceramics, colored pencil drawings of her grandchildren, various travel paintings, memory scrapbooks and more. Jaye always sought ways to express herself artistically, and her home was filled with pieces of her art.

In addition to her passion for art, Jaye's love for dogs was well-known. She groomed and raised them, focusing on miniature schnauzers. She raised purebred show dogs and was instrumental in showing and grooming them. At any time, her home could have two litters of puppies. Jaye also had a love for travel and worked at a travel agency. She and Jim traveled across the U.S. and around the globe, enjoying cruises and visiting new places, including Alaska and an African safari.

Jaye loved volunteering at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago alongside her husband, Jim. She cherished her family, enjoyed baking cookies with her daughters, and taking her grandchildren on trips. Jaye had an absolute zest for life. She loved dressing up, wearing jewelry, having her hair done, and simply enjoyed being among her family and friends.

A celebration of life for Jaye will be held from 2-5pm at Panozzo Bros Funeral Home 530 West 14th Street (US Rt 30, 3 blks E of Western Ave), Chicago Heights, IL on Saturday January 18, 2025.  At 5pm please join us as Jaye’s family says a few words to remember her. More information can be found at https://panozzobros.com/.  In lieu of flowers please donate to the Humane Society of the U.S. in Jaye Carey’s name.