Jody Kakacek passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family sharing happy memories and laughter on February 17, 2024, at Gilchrist Hospice in Towson, MD, due to complications from osteosarcoma. Born Jody Ruth Myers on Christmas Eve 1975 in Baltimore, Jody was a gift to the world. Jody's husband, Blair, and daughter, Baily, along with Baily's fiancé, Alex Green, survive her. Not to be forgotten are her beloved cats Nate, Pip, and Gigi, who provided much laughter and snuggles. Jody's mother, Janet Myers, predeceased Jody by almost exactly 10 years.
Jody had an impressive educational background. She earned her PhD in Public Health from Walden University and held a Masters in Nonprofit Management. She was also a proud alum of Mercy High School in Baltimore. Jody's academic accomplishments were only out shined by her ability to turn any dull moment into a moment of laughter.
Jody supported people with disabilities for over 20 years, most recently as Program Director at the Quality of Life Plus (QL+) Program. Before that she worked for the Epilepsy Foundation for about 18 years and rose to the position of senior director of programs there. Jody also worked as an Adjunct Professor at Notre Dame of Maryland University, and she enjoyed working with students at both Notre Dame and through her position at QL+.
Jody most loved spending time with family and friends, but another of her great joys was studying ballet and contemporary dance at Anita's Dance Studio in Parkville, MD. She participated in recitals under the tutelage of Debbie Pacheco for almost her entire life. Jody loved the arts, and enjoyed membership with the Hippodrome Theater. She had many fandoms as well, but her favorites were Harry Potter, Supernatural, Disney, and Pusheen. And cows. We will never forget Jody's great love for cows. Jody also loved to play games – any kind. She enjoyed Animal Crossing, D&D, and her latest was Hogwarts Legacy. Jody was an amazing woman with a kind heart, empathetic disposition, sharp sense of humor, and planning savvy. She was a true Ebay wizard and had an impressive ability to get hotel rooms when no one else could.
It was Jody's wish that we not hold memorial services. Instead, she wished for her friends and family to celebrate her life by doing the things they loved to do with her. Planning a trip to Disney? Wear ears for Jody. Heading out to dinner with friends? Have a drink and toast on her behalf. Binge watch your favorite show, indulge in your favorite dessert, reunite with your inner child, and just find your joy. That was Jody's wish.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to donate to:
Osteosarcoma Institute: https://osinst.org/donate/
QL+: https://www.qlplus.org/donate
The Cows Foundation: https://thecowsfoundation.org/
Your local no kill animal shelter
(We are indebted to Jody's family for providing this wonderful story of her life.)
