Makenna Marie Maurisak, age 24 of Manhattan, IL, passed away on January 15th, 2026. Though she left this world far too soon, she leaves behind an indelible mark on those lucky enough to have met her and a more beautiful world for those who hadn't.

Kenna was a beloved daughter to Kelly and Randy. She was an adored sibling to Missy and her husband Joe, and to Kyle and his wife Ana. She was a guiding force for her niece Kylie and her nephew Lucas. She was a loving mother to the most spoiled bearded dragon in the world, Dobby. She was the life of our family parties - dearly loved by her aunts and uncles. She was the favorite cousin. She was a powerful source of love to her friends - the Zoo Crew, the Creamery family, and so many others. She treated every person she met like family and was everyone's little sister.

To everyone that has ever met Kenna, she was simply a beacon of light.

Kenna was a profoundly prolific creative. She was a musician, film maker, writer, photographer, proud DND dungeon master; there was no artistic discipline too complex or difficult for her to try. With a deep appreciation for the world of fantasy, she was endlessly imaginative. She had just published her first novel and was well on her way to finishing the sequel. Makenna was an inspiration to the other creatives in her life, proving that you can truly accomplish anything if you put the time, work, and love into it.

Kenna had a deep love and appreciation for animals. She found beauty in the misunderstood creatures of the animal kingdom and believed that all life was deserving of compassion and love. She possessed multitudes; she had space in her heart for everyone.

Kenna's unwavering kindness was evident in the way she treated everyone in her life. She had endless love to give. She would light up every room and possessed an uncanny ability to make anyone laugh. Her smile was contagious. She inspired us all to be the best version of ourselves and reminded us constantly that life can be full of joy.

She was everyone's favorite.

"We miss you already. We love you forever."

Memorial Visitation for Kenna will take place on Friday, January 23, 2026 from 10:00 A.M. until the time of her Memorial Mass at 11:00 A.M. at St. Jude's Catholic Church, 241 W 2nd Ave, New Lenox, IL 60451. In lieu of flowers, we are asking people to make a donation to the JED Foundation, a nonprofit that Kenna passionately supported, in her name. https://jedfoundation.org/

Kenna's novel, Flames: The Elemental Saga is available on Amazon in all formats. She would have loved for everyone to read it.

https://www.amazon.com/Flames-Elemental-Saga-Kenna-Marie/dp/B0G9M2LGSC/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?crid=1FCI6TX5N4RPU&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.IrvNCXXufFN1SQ6Db-17YWEfSWqg69nnoBaYIb87APbaEFHDVCY40xp9efSmBca2OcjuxcFk_1N2F_OU8Esvr2fbRWzL1yfR_e2oThSTj_a50SFoO6tcMg22lzLJDYNQbCRAp50kw1t1geS7F1p24tEmIccadiU6RomDpEC5wB_Wk4HVt58E9Zbu7uuk7doYRYoFRdIX34rCr3qKVKm1-g.t7Gf7y7UOW3tvB6X1futfEgAEgHHGFHtCfm6dkc36-U&dib_tag=se&keywords=elemental+saga+flames&qid=1768676163&sprefix=elemental+saga%2Caps%2C143&sr=8-1