Jennifer Ilgauskas, the wife of former NBA player and Cleveland Cavaliers legend Zydrunas Ilgauskas, passed away on September 11, 2022, at the age of 50. Her death shocked and saddened many people who knew her and admired her for her kindness, generosity, and love for her family. In this article, we will explore the cause of death of Jennifer Ilgauskas, as well as some details about her life and legacy.
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Jennifer Ilgauskas’ Illness and Cause of Death
According to various sources, Jennifer Ilgauskas died after she was diagnosed with fatal health complications of ill-health which led to her death. Some tabloids also report that Jennifer Ilgauskas died from cancer complications. However, no official cause of death has been revealed by her family or the funeral home.
Jennifer Ilgauskas’ obituary, which was published by McGreevey Funeral Homes, did not mention any specific illness or cause of death. It only stated that she “passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family” and that she “fought a courageous battle with grace and dignity”.
Jennifer Ilgauskas’ Life and Career
Jennifer Ilgauskas was born on June 16, 1972, in Cleveland, Ohio. She graduated from Magnificat High School in Rocky River, Ohio, and received a bachelor’s degree in physical therapy from Cleveland State University.
Jennifer worked in medical care in Northeast Ohio, where she was the owner of Rebound Physical Therapy, North Olmsted Urgent Care, Lakewood Urgent Care, and medical billing company Darbo. She was also involved in various charitable causes, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital, and the Adoption Network Cleveland.
Jennifer met Zydrunas Ilgauskas, who is also known as Big Z, in 2003. They got married in 2004 and adopted two sons from Zydrunas’ hometown in Lithuania in 2009. Their sons are Deividas and Povilas Ilgauskas.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas is a former professional basketball player who played for the Cleveland Cavaliers from 1997 to 2010 and for the Miami Heat from 2010 to 2011. He was a two-time All-Star and had his No. 11 jersey retired by the Cavaliers in 2014.
Jennifer Ilgauskas’ Legacy and Tributes
Jennifer Ilgauskas was described by her obituary as “a wonderful, giving and intimate friend to so many” who “touched many individuals by her acts of kindness”. She was also praised by her husband as “the most amazing person I have ever met” who “made me a better person”.
Many people expressed their condolences and tributes to Jennifer Ilgauskas on social media, including former teammates and friends of Zydrunas Ilgauskas. Some of them are:
- LeBron James: “My heart is heavy right now!! I’m at a loss for words hearing about the passing of my brother Big Z’s wife Jennifer!! She was always so sweet to me and my family! My thoughts and prayers go out to Big Z and his beautiful boys!! Love you my brother!! Rest easy Jennifer!!”
- Dwyane Wade: “Sending our love & prayers to our brother @BigZ_4 & his family on the passing of his wife Jennifer. We love you guys!”
- Chris Bosh: “My deepest condolences to @BigZ_4 & his family on the passing of his wife Jennifer. She was always so kind & gracious to me & my family. Praying for strength & peace during this difficult time.”
- Anderson Varejao: “I’m so sorry for your loss my brother @BigZ_4 . You know how much I love you guys. Jennifer was an amazing person. Always smiling and making everyone around her happy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your boys.”
A funeral mass for Jennifer Ilgauskas will be open to the public at St. James Church in Lakewood on Saturday, September 18, 2022.
