Losing someone at 29 is never part of the plan. It's a gut punch that leaves everyone searching for answers, especially when that person literally grew up in front of a city's eyes. When the news hit about the Sara Beth Janz obituary, the Chicago media landscape felt a collective shiver.
If you grew up watching ABC7 Chicago, you probably remember Roz Varon. She was the legendary traffic anchor who navigated commuters through snowstorms and gridlock for decades. But to her, Sara wasn't just a "feature" on a morning show; she was her world.
Sara passed away unexpectedly in early January 2025. It wasn't some long-drawn-out battle that the public was prepared for. It was sudden. It was a "medical complication" that struck just as she was beginning a new chapter of her life in New Mexico. Honestly, it’s the kind of tragedy that makes you want to hug your people a little tighter tonight.
The Life Behind the Name
Sara wasn't just "Roz Varon’s daughter," though she carried that title with a lot of pride. She was a powerhouse in her own right.
She worked as a freelance photographer and was deeply embedded in the television industry, following a path similar to her mother’s but carving out her own niche. She was instrumental in founding the Junior Board for the NATAS Chicago/Midwest Chapter. Basically, she saw a gap where young professionals needed a voice, and she built the bridge herself.
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She had just moved to New Mexico to start her married life with her husband, Staff Sergeant Darien Jackson. Think about that for a second. Twenty-nine years old. New marriage. New state. Total excitement for the future. And then, it just stops.
What the Sara Beth Janz Obituary Tells Us
The official details were released through various channels, including a heart-wrenching tribute by the Illinois House of Representatives (Resolution HR0514). It wasn't just a standard notice; it was a formal recognition of a life that actually meant something to the community.
- Date of Passing: Early January 2025.
- Age: 29.
- Family: Daughter of Roz Varon and Edward Janz; wife of Darien Jackson; sister to Amy and Brian.
- Service: Held at Oak Park Temple, followed by a private burial.
The cause was cited generally as a medical event/complication. In these situations, families often keep specific medical histories private, and frankly, that’s their right. What matters more to the people who knew her was the "guiding light" she became for other young media professionals.
A Legacy That Isn't Just Words
Roz Varon didn't just mourn; she went to work. That’s very Roz, isn't it? To take a tragedy and turn it into a ladder for someone else.
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The Sara Janz Take Your Shot Memorial Scholarship was established almost immediately. It’s managed through the NATAS Chicago Foundation. The goal is simple: help students in media who have the same spark Sara had.
In late 2025, a "Stars for Sara" benefit concert was held at the Des Plaines Theatre. It wasn't a somber, quiet affair. It was Chicago musicians and media personalities coming together to keep her name alive. When you see a community rally like that, you realize Sara’s impact wasn't just about her famous last name—it was about her character.
Why This Story Still Resonates
We see obituaries every day. But the Sara Beth Janz obituary hit different because it represented the loss of "what could have been."
She was a former scholarship recipient herself. She knew the struggle of trying to break into a competitive industry like television or photography. By founding that Junior Board, she wasn't just networking; she was building a community.
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How to Support the Cause
If you’re looking to do more than just read about her life, the family has been very clear about how to honor her. Instead of flowers, they've pointed people toward the scholarship fund.
You can contribute to the NATAS Chicago Foundation – Sara Janz Memorial Scholarship Fund. It’s hosted through Columbia College Chicago. It’s a way to ensure that even though Sara’s career was cut short, she’s still helping other photographers and creators get their "shot."
The reality is that Sara Beth Janz left behind a void that her family is still navigating. But through the scholarship and the stories shared by her colleagues at NATAS, she’s still very much a part of the Chicago media family.
Next Steps for Readers:
To honor Sara’s memory, consider supporting young creators in your own community or donating to the Sara Janz Memorial Scholarship Fund via the NATAS Chicago website. If you are a student in the Chicago/Midwest region pursuing a career in television or film, look into the scholarship requirements for the upcoming 2026-2027 academic year to carry her legacy forward.