Ann Louise Zyer

Ann Louise Zyer (née Lauderback), a woman of extraordinary grace, resilience, and boundless kindness, passed away on April 19, 2026, following a courageous thirteen-year battle with cancer. Diagnosed in 2013, Ann spent the next decade-plus as a beacon of positivity, never complaining and always maintaining the uplifting spirit that defined her life.

Born in Neenah, Wisconsin, Ann moved to Illinois as a child and grew up in Arlington Heights. She was a proud graduate of Buffalo Grove High School (1979) and continued her education at Harper College. Shortly after, she earned her real estate license, launching a career that would be defined by her passion for people and her incredible work ethic.

Ann’s professional legacy was one of excellence and innovation in the catering & hospitality industry. She began her journey at the iconic Bob Chinn’s Crabhouse, where she was instrumental in the birth and growth of the Bob Chinn’s World Famous Mai Tai’s, bringing them to major venues across the Chicago region. She later spent nearly 30 years at Noteable Events Catering, where she helped the company grow into a national elite. Ann orchestrated high-profile VIP events for legends like the Dave Matthews Band, as well as premier events like the B96 Bash, the Waste Management Open, and the BMW Open. Her impeccable eye for detail and nurturing soul eventually led her to her most expert role: helping couples plan their weddings, ensuring their most important day was more than special.

Her professional success was only eclipsed by her devotion to her family. Ann was the ultimate support system. She was the loudest cheerleader for her son, Sean Zyer, throughout his Division 1 baseball career and the launch of his company, Earth Buddy Pet. In recent years, her world revolved around her granddaughters, Finlee Ann and Reagan Joan. She traveled frequently to Colorado to visit them, sharing cherished memories on the ski slopes.

Ann’s "superpower" was her ability to help others realize their own dreams. She didn't just inspire people to find their passion; she stayed by their side to help put it into action. Guided by her deep faith in God, she often reminded those she loved that "everything happens for a reason." While life brought her challenges, her beautiful attitude proved that with faith and kindness, things always work out.

Ann was preceded in death by her father John R Lauderback. She is survived by her son, Sean; her adored granddaughters, Finlee and Reagan; her mother, Joan Rice (Jim Rice); her sisters, Karen (Lauderback) Kohler (Charles Kohler) and Susan (Lauderback) Carter; and her nieces and nephews, Grace, Adam, Andrew, Thomas, and Daniel.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made in Ann’s memory to organizations supporting research for the conditions she battled so bravely: Neuroendocrine Tumor Research Foundation (NETRF) netrf.org or Endometriosis Foundation of America (EndoFound) endofound.org

A celebration of Ann’s life will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026 starting with visitation at 2pm, followed by service at 3pm at First Presbyterian Church, 302 N. Dunton Ave, Arlington Heights, IL 60004