Anne Lavern Jachim, a culinary arts professor at Moraine Valley Community College, died March 4, 2026, in Palos Hills, Illinois, surrounded by family. She was 80.
She is survived by four daughters: Kimberly Bjorklund, Darlene Carchedi, Joanne Kousnetz and Deborah Strejc; seven grandchildren: Ian Cordova, Bradley Simons, Alexia Kousnetz, Savanah Kousnetz, Joshua Williams, Riannah Strejc and Deven Strejc; and eight siblings: Nancy LaPore, Mike Zema, Dorothy Hernandez, Daniel Zima, Darlene Zema, Chet Zema, Jack Zema and Rick Zema. She was preceded in death by her daughters Jennifer Jachim and Michelle Jachim; her sister, Donna Konopasek; and her former husband, Joseph Cordova.
Jachim was a professor of culinary arts at Moraine Valley Community College, where she taught for many years and was known for her dedication to her students.
Visitation and a celebration of life will be held Friday, April 17, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Damar-Kaminski Funeral Home & Crematorium, 7861 S. 88th Ave., Justice, Illinois.
A funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 18, at 10 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 8245 W. 111th St., Palos Hills, Illinois. Family and friends are asked to gather directly at the church.
Cremation rites have been accorded.