Jennifer Marie Autry, 30, died Wednesday, June 1, at her home in Bloomingdale surrounded by her loving family. Although brain cancer ultimately clamed her life, it never diminished the positive attitude, zest for living and love for family and friends that Jenny displayed during the 8 years she courageously battled the disease. During Jenny's final days at home, devoted younger sisters Chrissy and Katie provided continuous care making sure she was as comfortable as possible and never left alone. Jenny spent her early years in Naperville and lived in Bloomingdale since age 14. Jenny was a highly motivated student with a strong aptitude for science and math. She was an honors graduate from Glenbard North High School in Carol Stream and earned very high marks as a student at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Admitted to UIC's College of Pharmacy after just three years of undergraduate study, Jenny had to withdraw when she was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor in January 2003. Jenny later returned to school to complete a bachelor' degree in management from Devry University in 2007. Jenny worked several years as a pharmacy technician for Chicago area hospitals. Family was very important to Jenny. After her mother, the late Cindy Torbett, was diagnosed with cancer in 2007, Jenny spent much of her time taking care of her Mom during the two years she battled the disease. Jenny also spent much time looking after her late grandmother, Dolly Birholtz, who died in 2010. Survivors include sisters Chrissy, 28, of Bartlett, and Katie, 22, of Bloomingdale; father Larry Autry and stepmother Sharon of Naperville:, step-father Bob Torbett of Bloomingdale and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Jenny was a loyal friend to many and maintained close friendships with people she met in early childhood, high school, college and through her participation in cancer support groups. Jenny enjoyed outdoor activities, including hiking, biking and gardening. She was an avid fan of the Chicago White Sox baseball team, typically attending more than 20 home games each year. Jenny loved animals and helped care for her family's pet dog Rubble, Jack, Molly and Frankie. They will miss Jenny too. The family will receive friends from 3 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Salerno's Rosedale Chapels, 450 W. Lake St., Roselle 630-889-1700. A memorial service will be held at the chapel at 7 p.m. Sunday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Imerman Angels, www.imermanangels.org a Chicago-based cancer support group that was important to Jenny.

Published in Chicago Tribune on June 4, 2011.