Jeanette Ward

Jeanette Louise Rodgers-WardFebruary 18, 1985 – May 27, 2025

If the universe were a stage, Jeanette Louise Rodgers-Ward lived her life as a headliner. A radiant force of personality wrapped in long black velvet, waist-cinching corsets, perfectly trimmed V-bangs, and eyeliner sharp enough to cut glass, Jeanette didn’t just enter a room - she arrived!

Born on February 18, 1985, and most recently calling Berwyn, Illinois her home, Jeanette passed away on May 27, 2025, at the age of 40 - far too soon for those of us who weren’t quite ready to say goodbye.

Jeanette was the beloved wife of Christopher Ward, daughter of Lee Rodgers, stepdaughter of Deborah Michaelsen, and daughter of Kelly Riley. She was the eldest of three sisters, lovingly remembered by her middle sister Cathryn Brazil and brother-in-law Darrel Brazil, and reunited in spirit with her cherished youngest sister, Michelle “Moosh” Rodgers, who preceded her in death.

She was also the devoted pet parent to her fur-babies Bernard (affectionately known as Bernoodle) and his sister, French Toast; feline companions Tauntaun and Mewbacca; and her beloved tortoise, Blackbeard. Her love for animals was not a phase - it was a lifestyle! From grooming pups to working at pet stores and, most recently, caring for creatures at Brookfield Zoo, Jeanette made it her mission to love and advocate for all things furry, scaly, and four-legged.

Jeanette was, in every sense of the word, an original. She turned heads and captured hearts with a gothic glam style all her own - closets overflowing with carefully curated black ensembles, a collection of meaningful tattoos, hand-made cosplay outfits, and her signature horned and skull-topped headpieces that left con-attendees, faire folk, and fellow gothonistas in awe. Whether it was her whimsical Peedle Beetle bug taxidermy, vintage tarot collages, or lovingly hand-crafted gifts, Jeanette had the rare gift of turning the unusual into the unforgettable.

She was a proud geek and a fierce supporter of the Chicago goth scene, a devoted Ren Faire attendee, and a familiar presence at pop culture conventions. Her Spotify playlists were legendary - a genre-bending journey through Darkwave, Industrial, Nordic folk, Broadway musicals, and fantasy film scores. Jeanette didn’t just listen to music - she lived inside it!

To say Jeanette was a fan of sci-fi would be an infraction against the Federation. She adored Star Wars (and was known to cosplay as a Sith Lord) and was such a devoted Star Trek: The Next Generation fan that she went full fangirl meeting the beloved Starfleet android, Data (portrayed by actor Brent Spiner). Her love of Dark Fantasy was equally strong - proudly displaying collectible figures and artwork from Labyrinth, The Dark Crystal, and Legend. And yet, her romantic side always had time for Moonstruck, a film she could quote from beginning to end like sacred scripture. Whenever Phantom of the Opera came to the stage, you could bet Jeanette had a seat reserved and walked the red carpet styled in a black lace gown and dramatic makeup.

Jeanette was loved by many. Some knew her as a fellow goth, faire maiden, oddities artist, cosplayer, or con buddy; others only through a social media interaction or a smile exchanged at an event. But for those lucky enough to truly know her, Jeanette left behind a constellation of unforgettable moments, fierce hugs, roaring laughter, and a warmth that somehow glowed from within the darkest aesthetic.

She was the kind of person who made you feel like you belonged - who made the weird, the mystical, the misunderstood feel like magic.

Her family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to your favorite animal rescue or shelter in Jeanette’s honor. It’s what she would have wanted - a world where every creature has a place to feel safe, loved, and just a little bit fabulous.

To borrow words she loved: “It’s only forever…not long at all.”

And of course, let’s not forget: "Crab Rangoon."(If you know, you know.)