Jill K Kraft

June 24, 1965 – February 2, 2015

Jill Kraft passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, on Monday, February 2nd at Evanston Hospital due to complications resulting from her long battle with multiple sclerosis.

Born and raised in Evanston, Jill was known for her fun-loving spirit, her quick wit, easy laugh and propensity for good-natured mischief. She was a devoted daughter, sister and friend whose loyalty was reciprocated by her family as well as by a group of life-long friends, many of whom she met while attending Willard Elementary, Haven Junior High and Evanston Township High School. She loved both children and animals and volunteered her time at Willard Elementary and The Barbareaux School as a tutor, as well as the Evanston Animal Shelter.

Jill graduated from Columbia College in Chicago with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. A true creative, she found her calling as an actor and enjoyed roles in television, indie movies, and local theaters including Steppenwolf Theatre. Between auditions and gigs, Jill worked for 15 years as a Production Assistant for Scott Craig Productions in Chicago. Ultimately sidelined from performing, Jill fought MS the way she lived her life -- with grace, courage and humor.

Her lively spirit will remain vibrant in the hearts of her parents Ken and Marjo Kraft, her sister and brother-in-law Sherry and Pat Kelly, and a host of friends. Jill’s closest family and friends will gather privately in mid-March for a celebration of her life. In lieu of flowers, donation can be made to SASI – Services for Adults Staying in Their Homes, www.sasihome.org, 847-864-7274 or CARE – Community Animal Rescue Effort, www.care-evanston.org, 847-705-2653.