CHICAGO, IL – The city of Chicago is enveloped in sorrow as it mourns the profound loss of Lisa Schneider Fabes, a revered community leader, tireless advocate, cherished friend, and devoted wife and mother. Lisa’s passing on Friday, September 26, 2025, has left an irreplaceable void in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the power of compassion, the strength of principled leadership, and the quiet grace of a life dedicated to the service of others.

A Pillar of the Chicago Community

Born and raised with a foundation of strong Midwestern values—humility, integrity, and a deep sense of community—Lisa carried these principles into every aspect of her remarkable life. In Chicago, she built an impeccable reputation not only as a professional of extraordinary skill and intellect but as a genuinely warm and approachable person who was always the first to offer a helping hand or a word of encouragement.

Lisa’s most enduring legacy is her unwavering commitment to creating a more just and equitable world. She worked tirelessly to champion causes close to her heart, focusing her immense energy on initiatives related to education, social equity, and the empowerment of young people. Colleagues and collaborators describe her as a visionary leader who brilliantly balanced deep empathy with a sharp, strategic mind. She didn’t just support causes; she built movements, fostered collaboration, and inspired everyone she worked with to believe that a better future was possible. Her contributions to numerous non-profits, school boards, and community foundations have left a lasting and tangible imprint on the fabric of Chicago.

The Heart of Her Home: A Devoted Wife and Mother

While her public contributions were vast, Lisa’s greatest pride and deepest joy were found within her family. To them, she was the heart of the home—an anchor of love, stability, and warmth. She shared a beautiful, loving partnership with her husband and was an exceptionally devoted mother who embraced every facet of parenthood with grace and enthusiasm.

Friends fondly recall Lisa’s delight in simple family traditions, from weekend breakfasts to annual vacations that were meticulously planned to create lasting memories. She celebrated her children’s accomplishments, both big and small, with immense pride and provided a constant source of unconditional love and support. She masterfully balanced her significant professional responsibilities with her role as a loving wife and mother, creating a nurturing home that was a sanctuary of warmth and belonging. For many, she was an inspiration, proving that one could lead with strength in the community while leading with love at home.

An Outpouring of Love and Tributes

The news of Lisa’s passing has sent shockwaves through the Chicago community. Tributes have poured in from every corner of the city, flooding social media feeds with heartfelt messages, cherished photos, and stories of her kindness. Friends, neighbors, and colleagues all share a common theme in their remembrances: Lisa was a beacon of positivity and resilience.

Many describe her as someone whose smile could genuinely light up a room and whose kindness could bring people from all walks of life together. She possessed the rare gift of being an active listener, offering comfort and counsel without judgment. She made people feel seen, heard, and valued, and her quiet strength was a source of comfort to countless individuals.

While the specific cause of her death has not been made public, those who loved her are focusing on celebrating the extraordinary life she lived and the countless lives she touched. Her passing is a profound loss not just for her family, but for every organization, school, and community that was fortunate enough to benefit from her passion and visionary leadership.

As Chicago reflects on a life so beautifully lived, the overwhelming sentiment is one of profound gratitude—for her generosity, her unwavering spirit, and her enduring vision for a better world. Though she is no longer with us, Lisa’s memory will continue to inspire acts of kindness, ignite community engagement, and fuel the fight for a more compassionate society for generations to come.

Memorial service details will be announced by the family in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, her family has suggested that donations be made to an educational fund for underserved youth in Chicago, a cause that reflects the core of her life’s work.