Melissa "Mimi" Jao

Born April 29, 1967, in Manila, Philippines, she emigrated to the United States in August 1975 accompanied by her Kuya.

She is survived by her devoted and loving husband, Roderick Raymond Agana Jao of 24 years. She graduated from Lane Technical High School in 1985 and attended Loyola University and The University of Illinois at Chicago.

She worked for America National Bank for several years before starting her family to which she dedicated her entire life.

Mimi was well known to the parents, students, and staff of the schools that her children, Cassie and Xander attended. Mimi was fully immersed in all their school activities.

Mimi poured her love into everything she did. She was the ultimate creator of all things handmade and homemade. Anyone who was a recipient of her gifts knew she put her heart and soul into it, whether it was a handwritten sentimental card or the special intricate and unique way that she would wrap presents.

Best remembered for always putting others before herself, her thoughtfulness, kindness and warmness are what drew people to her. The moment you met Mimi, you were lifelong friends.

Lovingly remembered by her children, Cassandra Alexis (Cassie) and Roderick Alexander (Xander), her mother, Olivia Vaca Sarosario and her father, Miguel C. Sarosario, Sr & his wife, Dahlia, her siblings, Miguel V. Sarosario, Jr (Emerson/Mike) & his wife, Brenda, Michelle Spejcher & her husband, Andrew and Marc Sarosario, her nieces and nephew, Dylan Tyler and Emily Grace Sarosario and Jennifer Alina and Jolina Ashley Spejcher.

Also left to treasure her memory, Marita Jao, Radmar Jao, Rodger Jao, Michelle Jao Velasquez & her husband Dino, Mylene Jao Richardson & her husband Andy, Rodolfo (Jun) Jao, Rodney Jao and his wife Noriko, and Rodell Jao and his wife Toba, her nieces and nephews Brianna Maria, Marcella Casey, Liam Ronald, Alexi Kendal, Ty Rodger, Lara Flora, Gia Teresa, Calista Norma , Chapman Spencer, Harris Adriano, Brody Rodolfo, Maxton Abraham Rodolfo, Emilia Ava, Milo Oliver, and Soe. And finally, her beloved pup, Maxi “Poo Poo,” her steadfast protector and partner since joining the family.

In her own words, “Do Something Amazing.”

Love You More

Visitation will be Thursday, September 7th from 5-9pm at Lauterburg & Oehler Funeral Home, 2000 E. Northwest Highway, Arlington Heights, IL. 60004.

Funeral Mass will be Friday, September 8th at 10:30am at Holy Family Catholic Community Parish and Academy, 2515 W Palatine Rd, Inverness, IL 60067, with interment to follow at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Cemetery, 1185 W. Algonquin Rd, Palatine, IL 60067.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Northwestern Medicine Delnor Cancer Center who so lovingly and skillfully cared for Mimi these past years.