Josie (Rich) Dunnett, 30, of Chicago formerly of Fairbury, Executive Assistant to Jerry Roper, President of the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce, died at home with loved ones by her side, Saturday, August 22, 2009 from a battle with breast cancer.

Her memorial service will be 10 am, Saturday, August 29, 2009 at the First Presbyterian Church of Fairbury with Pastor Spencer Homan officiating. Visitation will be 4 to 8 pm, Friday, August 28, 2009 at Duffy-Pils Memorial Home, Fairbury and one hour prior to services at the church on Saturday. A memorial service is also scheduled for 7 pm, Monday, August 31, 2009 in Chicago with a visitation from 3 to 7 pm. Contact the family for information regarding this service.

Josie was born April 19, 1979 in Burlington, IA, grew up in Fairbury, IL, and attended the University of Illinois, where she earned her degree in Advertising. Upon graduation, Josie moved to San Diego and was the youngest Director of Operation Stroke for the American Heart Association. Josie enjoyed the outdoors and spent a summer working as a cook in an Alaskan fishing camp. While she was home for Christmas in 2002 she met her would-be husband, and Chicago native, John, at Howl at the Moon and seven months later moved to Chicago. Upon her arrival in Chicago, she was hired by the Chamber of Commerce.

She is survived by her devoted husband, John and their three-legged cat, Barker; her loving parents, John and Connie Rich; her dear siblings Jessica (Sean) Sutherland and Trafton (Amy) Rich. Josie was the most fun-loving and involved of aunts to nieces Marissa and Audrey, and nephews Jacob, Macager, Mason, and Hunter. She was also a dear daughter-in-law to her 'MIL' and 'FIL,' John and Chris Dunnett, and sister-in-law to Stephanie (Jamie) Curulewski, Stephen (Kristen) Dunnett and Christine Dunnett.

In 2005, Josie was diagnosed with breast cancer and went into remission February 2006. She was married to John Dunnett on June 9, 2007. In the fall of 2007, Josie was re-diagnosed with metastatic breast cancer and even with her grim diagnosis worked every day, traveled the world, and let everyone in her life share in her light and grace. She loved anything outside, wine tasting, beaches, skiing and taking care of her husband and her three-legged rescued cat, Barker.

Josie was someone who could not be defined or contained by her disease. She built a network of friends and loved ones that spanned the globe and updated everyone on her battle by sending out regular "updates" on email. Each update was a brutally honest, humorous slant from someone who had to deal with the annoyance of having cancer take up her free time.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to the Dominy Memorial Library Building Fund in Fairbury, IL. Make checks payable to the Dominy Memorial Library Building Fund and be sure to memo the check "In memory of Josie Dunnett".
Checks may be sent to Josie's parents: John and Connie Rich 100 E. Ash St.
Fairbury, IL 61739