Janice Kay Emmert (Jan) who led civic and philanthropic organizations died Saturday, July 30, 2016 at her home in Chicago. She was 61.
Upon graduating from the University of Illinois in 1977, where she was a member of Chi Omega Fraternity, she joined Willis Towers Watson as an executive compensation professional. Jan began what became her lifelong commitment to philanthropic endeavors by joining the United Service Organization (the USO) of Illinois Board of Directors in 1984 where she held multiple leadership positions including serving on the Executive Committee, Gala Co-Chair and Chairman of the Board. In 2003 she was elected to the USO World Board of Governors where she served in numerous capacities, including on the Executive Committee, Chair of the Governance Committee, and was a member of the Board delegation at the opening of the first USO Facility in Iraq in 2008. She also served on the Advisory Counsel of the Rocky Mountain USO.
Jan was a founding member of the Chicago Zoological Society’s Women’s Board where she served as President, Gala Co-Chair and also served on the Society’s Board of Trustees. Jan was also dedicated to the Children’s Home and Aid Society of Chicago where she served as Women’s Board President and Gala Chair. She also served on the Counselor Ball Committee for the Illinois Institute of Technology, Regional Benefit Chair of the Joffrey Ballet of Chicago, Treasurer of 1418 North Lake Shore Drive Association and President of Meadow Ridge of Beaver Creek.
Jan was the recipient of the USO of Illinois, Ronald L. Friske Memorial Award, the United States Coast Guard Recognition of Outstanding Support and the Ronald Regan Achievement Award from her hometown of Dixon, IL.
Jan was born on January 10, 1955 in Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, the daughter of Jerald and Jacqueline Conroy. She married Michael P. Emmert, who survives her, on June 18, 1977 at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Dixon. She is also survived by her son Phillip and his wife Megan, sister Jeri Clemins, and brother John Conroy, along with nephews and nieces.
Visitation will be from 3 to 9 PM Thursday at Adolf Funeral Home, 7000 S. Madison Ave., Willowbrook IL. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10AM at St. Issac Jogues Catholic Church, Fr. De Salvo officiating, Hinsdale IL, and burial at Bronswood Cemetery.
A memorial has been established to the USO of Illinois. To donate, please visit https://usoofillinois.secure.force.com/donate and under the 'Honor/Memorial' drop down which is halfway down the page, please note "In Honor of Jan Emmert.” For service information, 630-325-2300 or www.adolfservices.com
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