Elgin woman a mainstay at Senior Services Associates
If any shy senior citizens sat uncomfortably in a corner somewhere, Jennifer Almanza of Elgin never failed to bring them into the fold with her energy and zest for life.
Almanza, 64, who died Feb. 4 at Advocate Sherman Hospital, was tireless in her work on behalf of seniors and passionate about her work as director of activity, marketing and adult day care at Senior Services Associates' Elgin office, said Bette Schoenholtz, executive director of the organization.
"She was a ball of energy that loved - really, deeply loved - the whole seniors population, and whatever issues they were dealing with," she said. "A lot of people don't have the courage to present their ideas because they're not popular or there isn't enough funding for them. Jennifer always had the courage to stand up and fight for what she believed in."
Almanza left her native Ohio in 1984 to work as a communication engineer for Ameritech in the Chicago area. She moved to Elgin in 1994 to work as activity coordinator at ManorCare Health Services before joining Senior Services Associates in 2000.
That summer she met her fiance, Jeff Myers, host of the "Elgin Today" show on local Channel 17, whose mother needed day care services in Elgin.
Almanza loved all things Cleveland sports and had a passion for former Indians third baseman Buddy Bell, now vice president and assistant general manager for the Chicago White Sox.
"She loved Buddy Bell and always loved to see him at game sites," Myers said. The couple even attended a White Sox game in Chicago against Cleveland, for which Bell was a coach, on opening day 2005 in hopes of meeting him, he recalled.
She also loved her dogs - Elvis the beagle and the late Pancho - and playing her favorite "Wheel of Fortune" machine at the Grand Victoria Casino, which she last visited in late fall.
Almanza ran for Elgin City Council in 2005 and earned an Elgin Image Award in 2007, the same year she suffered a stroke. Her illness didn't prevent her from continuing to work - albeit part time - on the organization's now bimonthly newspaper through last fall.
Despite her health challenges, Almanza lived a full life until last summer when she was diagnosed with diabetes followed by stage IV pancreatic cancer, Myers said.
"Her 20-plus years in Elgin were incredibly community-driven and satisfying years for her. No question about that," Myers said.
Almanza also is survived by her children, Michelle M. Murphy, Christa R. Lee and Jeremy S. Lee, all of Ohio; along with 11 grandchildren; one great grandchild; and seven siblings.
Visitation is 3 to 8 p.m. today at Laird Funeral Home, 310 S. State St., Elgin, followed by a gathering at Senior Services, 101 S. Grove Ave., Elgin. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Senior Services Associates. For more, visit lairdfamilyfuneralservices.com or call (847) 741-8800.