Jody Ann Fossum

FITCHBURG/VERONA- Jody Ann (Zarnott) Fossum, age 55, of Fitchburg, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015, at her home surrounded by family and friends. She was born on March 10, 1960, in Berlin, the daughter of Lawrence "Larry" and Nancy (Peterik) Zarnott. Jody graduated from Berlin High School in 1978. She went on to earn a Bachelor's degree in Environment, Textiles and Design at UW Madison and an Associate in Applied Science-Textile Design from the Fashion Institute of Technology –State University of New York. Jody met her future husband, Gary Fossum, while a student at UW Madison. Jody and Gary were united in marriage on Nov. 25, 1994 in Berlin. They eventually settled in Fitchburg and have two wonderful sons, Avery and Cooper. When anyone met Jody, the moment she smiled and you looked into her eyes, you knew that you had just made a friend. She had the inexplicable ability to make every person she met feel like they were something unique and special. If you knew Jody, you were lucky. She was a personal inspiration to all those around her. Jody garnered the professional respect of those she worked with at Fair Indigo, Lands' End, Pleasant Company/American Girl, and Zwicker Knitting Mills. She was a Senior Lecturer in the School of Human Ecology at UW-Madison for over 25 years. Jody was particularly proud of the real world and practical expertise that she brought to her students. "It is always about the students" was a core belief of hers as she helped to prepare them for their professional careers. Jody also had her own consulting and design business where she worked with a variety of companies ranging from small start-ups to Fortune 500 companies. She built relationships and friendships with people all over the world during her journey. Jody's professional and creative talents were known, respected and sought after by many. Jody was a consummate volunteer, always supportive of her children's educational, religious and athletic activities. If a mother could have three wishes, Jody would quickly acknowledge, and did, that she received hers: two strong, resilient, happy, hard-working, smart and talented boys, and one loving, supportive, engaged husband. Avery and Cooper were, without a doubt, the joy of her life. She knew that her greatest gift and accomplishment were her boys. She is leaving this earth too soon, however there is comfort in knowing that her love, joy and spirit will live on through her sons. To lose Jody is to mourn a great loss and it seems unbearable. But we will find comfort when we close our eyes and recall the special moments shared with her, where we laughed together, felt understood or uplifted and mostly, loved by her. Jody loved her family, her friends and life to the fullest. Jody is survived by her husband, Gary; sons, Avery and Cooper; father, Larry Zarnott; sister, Bonnie (Michael) Benes; brother, Lee (Margaret) Zarnott; nieces, Kathleen and Mary Claire Zarnott, Michelle Abey, and Allison Steinke; sister-in-law, Gloria Yaun; several great nieces and nephews; and many friends. She was preceded in death by her mother, Nancy (Peterik) Zarnott. Funeral service will be held at GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH, 5701 Raymond Rd., Madison at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 10, 2015, with the Rev. Tim Nybroten officiating. Burial will follow at Roselawn Memorial Park, Monona. Visitation will be held at the church from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 9, 2015, and from 10 a.m. to the time of service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jody's memory to the UWHC Carbone Cancer Center or the UW Hospital Neuroscience ICU. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson Fitchburg Funeral & Cremation Care 2950 Chapel Valley Road (608)442-5002