Zoila Ivonne Jackson

In Loving Memory of Zoila Jackson

Zoila Jackson, 43, fought each day for one more minute—to love her children, to watch them grow, and to make as many memories with them as she could. She faced every challenge with determination, strength, energy, and an unwavering love for her family. When her body could no longer do all the things her heart wanted to do, she continued to find ways to give, to show love, and to be present.

Zoila passed away peacefully on Friday, August 21, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Zoila was born in Aguadilla, Puerto Rico, and grew up in Catskill, New York. She earned her Culinary Arts degree from Paul Smith’s College, where she developed her lifelong love of cooking and baking. Zoila found great joy in feeding others, and her family, friends, and coworkers were often fortunate recipients of her delicious meals and desserts.

Her creativity and love of cooking could be seen in everything she did. For a school project, she once made a heart-shaped cake decorated with different types of candy to illustrate the parts of the heart and the flow of blood. That was Zoila—creative, energetic, and always willing to put her whole heart into whatever she was doing.

During her high school years, Zoila played volleyball and ran track. As an adult, she developed a passion for martial arts, earning her black belt in Karate and eventually becoming a part owner of Dewey’s Martial Arts in East Greenbush.

Zoila loved the outdoors and lived life with a sense of adventure. She would ride her bicycle five miles with her beloved dog, Lani. During duck hunting season, she would put on her camouflage and head out on a mission. She was unstoppable when it came to the things she loved.

She could often be found working in her vegetable garden, painting the outside of her home, or creating something special for her family. Creating a welcoming and fun space for her children was always a priority. From zip lines and tree houses to building a deck for the pool, Zoila could do it all. She wanted her children to have a childhood filled with adventure, laughter, and memories they would carry with them forever.

Even when cancer made it difficult for her to do the physical things she loved, Zoila continued to give of herself. She participated in multiple five-mile mud run, walked in breast cancer events, and supported the Making Strides Foundation, raising thousands of dollars to help make other people’s cancer journeys a little easier. Her generosity was a reflection of who she was: someone who cared deeply about others, even while facing her own difficult journey.

Above all else, Zoila’s husband, John, and her children, Malese and Illiana, were her greatest accomplishments and her greatest source of pride. She was so proud to be their mom. Her children could make her smile even during the hardest times. She wanted nothing more than for them to have a bright future—to live life to the fullest, pursue their dreams, and reach for new goals each day. Her love for them was limitless and will remain with them always.

Zoila’s parents, Isabel Hernandez and Jorge Llorens, along with her siblings, extended family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched, will hold her memory in their hearts forever.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has been present for Zoila and her family, to those who donated to her GoFundMe, to the staff of Rensselaer & Saratoga Hospice, and to Gateway House of Peace for helping honor Zoila’s wishes and providing comfort and peace during her final days.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Zoila’s life on Friday, August 28, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Top Pavilion at East Greenbush Town Park, East Greenbush, NY 12061. At 5:00 p.m., family and friends will have an opportunity to share special memories, stories, and reflections about Zoila.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Zoila’s children’s college funds or to Gateway House of Peace in Ballston Spa. Your generosity will help support her children’s future and honor Zoila’s greatest love—her children.

Zoila lived with extraordinary energy, courage, generosity, and love. She fought for every moment she could have with the people she loved. Her time may have been far too short, but the love she gave, the lives she touched, and the memories she created will live on through her children and everyone who knew her.