Amber Nicole Gunderson

Amber Nicole Gunderson, 38, of Lakewood passed away peacefully on July 4, 2024. Born on October 8, 1985, in Warrensburg, MO, to Donald Jackson and Kimberly Jackson, Amber spent her formative years in Jacksonville, IL where she cultivated her passions and pursued her dreams.

On July 3, 2015, Amber married her beloved husband, Jason, at the Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, a venue chosen due to her love for animals and zoos. They celebrated 9 beautiful years of marriage and were blessed with two children, Cole and Lucy. She dedicated her life to her children, who were the center of her universe. Amber found immense joy in every moment spent with them, whether cheering Cole on at soccer games or watching Lucy dance - a passion that Amber passed on to her.

From a young age, Amber found joy in dance, participating enthusiastically in dance teams throughout junior high, high school and continuing into her college years. Education was of utmost importance to Amber, she graduated from Jacksonville High School in 2004 and she pursued her studies at the University of Illinois – Champaign Urbana, where she earned her Master’s in Accounting with a specialization in taxation in 2009. Amber's dedication and hard work paved the way for a successful career as a CPA, a role she embraced with enthusiasm and diligence. She began her journey as an accountant at CBIZ in Chicago in 2009, later joining PRO-FI 20/20 Dental CPA Firm, where she made lasting friendships and invaluable contributions.

Amber's zest for life extended beyond her professional achievements; she adored travel, with a particular fondness for New York City and its vibrant theater scene. Her family was her anchor, and she cherished every moment spent with them, whether watching HGTV, cooking, baking (especially her famous sugar cookies) or cheering for her favorite sports teams—the St. Louis Cardinals, KC Chiefs, and Illinois Basketball.

In addition to her parents and husband, Amber is survived by her cherished children, Cole and Lucille “Lucy” Gunderson, her maternal grandmother, Helen Lucille Breshears; and by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents, Ralph Lee Breshears, Warner and Donna Perkins.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 from 3 PM until 7 PM, with a Celebration of Life service starting at 6 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte. 176), Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to, Breast Cancer Research Foundation, https://www.bcrf.org/