Heather Lynn Lazzara, 51, of Montgomery, IL, passed away peacefully on September 26, 2025.

Born June 25, 1974, in Aurora, IL, to Doug and Sue Lazzara, Heather brought immeasurable joy and light into the lives of everyone who knew her.

Living with Rett Syndrome, Heather never let the barriers she faced keep her from finding happiness in everyday moments. She loved listening to music with her mom, taking weekend adventures with her dad, and giving her younger brother judgmental looks as any good big sister would. Some of her favorite joys were feeling the warmth of sunshine on her face, "watching the world go by" from the front window, and sneaking bites of cookies from Dad when Mom wasn't looking.

Heather especially adored spending time with her two nieces. Whenever they played kitchen, there was always a place set for Aunt Heather. Though she never had the opportunity to hold a job, Heather became a teacher in her own right—passing along lessons of kindness, empathy, and inclusion that touched everyone around her.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Joseph & Barbara Lazzara, and Melvin and Elizabeth Kerr. Now free from the limits of Rett Syndrome, Heather is surely dancing in Heaven with her grandmas and laughing about how she'll never have to eat chicken soup again.

Heather is survived by her parents, Doug and Sue Lazzara; brother Mark (Stacy); nieces Ashlyn and Averie; many aunts, uncles, and cousins; and her lifelong loyal stuffed friends, Raggedy Ann and Bert.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Gathering on Thursday, October 9, at Dunn Family Funeral Home with Crematory 1801 S. Douglas Road Oswego, IL, from 4:00–5:30 p.m., followed by a service from 5:30–6:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made through this Amazon Wishlist

https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3A0443BWOQ8ZE?ref_=wl_share

supporting pediatric oncology patients at Central DuPage Hospital—a cause especially meaningful to the Lazzara family.

For Information, 630-554-3888 or visit her memorial page at www.dunnfamilyfuneralhome.com