meet jeanine
Jeanine Nicarico was a bright-eyed little girl with an endearing, dimpled smile and a sensitive, caring heart.
She had grown to love school and reading almost as much as horses, puppies, gardening, baking, and make-believe games. Her joy for learning and her excitement about school blossomed only after reaching fourth and fifth grade. Unfortunately, her adventure through life was tragically cut short.
Jeanine was ten years old when, in 1983, she was abducted from her Naperville home and murdered. This loss was felt not only by her family and friends, but also by the Naperville community.
To express the desire to show support for the Nicarico family, the Jeanine Nicarico Memorial Fund for Literacy was founded. Through grants from the Fund, the light of improved literacy is brought into the lives of the many children she would have called “friends.” Rather than dwelling on Jeanine’s death, the Fund celebrates her life — it’s a wonderful way to remember Jeanine and the gift she was to all who knew her.
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Learn about what’s happening with the fund, deadlines for grant applications, information about our annual 5K fundraiser and more.