Candace Nicole Zalaznik

Candace Nicole Zalaznik, 40, of St. Charles passed away peacefully Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at her home surrounded by family.  She was born July 9, 1981, in Elk Grove Village, IL the daughter of Paul Donovan and Marla Loperena.  She was united in marriage to Justin E. Zalaznik on August 31, 2012, in Yorkville, IL. 

Candace was a one-of-a-kind woman. She was a one-of-a-kind mother, wife, daughter, sister, niece, cousin, and friend. Candace had a servant’s heart and loved to help others anyway she could. Her love for others showed in how she treated them and how she always saw the best in people. Candace had a love for gardening, and making her forever home feel warm, and inviting for all. Candace LOVED to dance and celebrate life. She enjoyed entertaining family and friends, and always went above and beyond for her guests. Candace had hugs made of gold, and that smile of hers...What a smile Candace had, it was the type of smile that made you smile. It would make a room light up as if there were a thousand sun's shining so bright. And that laugh, boy what a laugh she had. A laugh so contagious you couldn't help but laugh with her even harder. She had a laugh and smile that will forever be missed. Candace loved her husband, her kids and her dogs more than anything. She enjoyed vacations with her family to the lake and to the beach, especially Turks and Caicos. She loved apple picking and her apple cider doughnuts. She had the purest of hearts and a comforting soul. She was courageous and strong and never complained once about what life threw her way. She fought head on and was admirable in how she showed strength in those situations. Candace loved life and found the joy in every moment. She was one-of-a-kind and we were blessed to call her ours. 

"There are some who bring a light so great to the world, that even after they have gone the light remains" - Author unknown

She is survived by her loving husband Justin Zalaznik; two children Nicole (9) and Jackson (8); her father Paul Donovan; her mother Marla (Geoff Davis) Loperena; a brother Brent Donovan; her paternal grandmother, Audrey Donovan; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Roger and Mary Jo Zalaznik; her brothers-in-law, Aaron Zalaznik and Scott Zalaznik and her niece Brooklyn Donovan and Piper Zalaznik; and her nephew Noah Zalaznik; her aunts Jane (Mark) Turner, Anita Sobbe, her uncles Mike (Rebecca) Donovan Mario (Diane) Loperena and Tony Loperena; and her cousins, Caitlin (Zachary) Abbott, Stephanie (Enrique) Guerrero, and Casey, Ryan, and Sean Donovan, Jason Loperena, Deanna, Alex and Victoria.

A Memorial Visitation will be held 4:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 1, 2022, at Moss-Norris Funeral Home, 100 South Third Street St. Charles, IL. 

A Memorial Mass will be celebrated 10:30 A.M. Thursday, June 2, 2022, at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 6N491 Crane Road, Crane Road St. Charles, IL. 

Memorial contributions may be directed to Candace Zalaznik’s family where her husband Justin will establish education funds for their children, Nicole and Jackson.