IN MEMORIAM
Eryn Van Acker
Eryn’s life was marked by courage, warmth, and action. She was the kind of person who noticed what others missed - and then did something about it.
She was deeply compassionate, highly competent, and an unashamed advocate for people who were overlooked, underestimated, or carrying more than most could see. She had a rare mix of tenderness and backbone - the kind of person who could meet you with warmth and move mountains on your behalf.
Her impact will continue through the people she loved, the lives she touched, and the efforts she so passionately initiated.
Eryn Yvonne Van Acker
March 2, 1985 — January 5, 2026
From what's been pieced together from her final hike in the woods, it seems Eryn's instinctive compassion in a sudden moment on the trail - the kind of reflex to help, to look out for someone or something beyond herself - was what set the unthinkable in motion. It's devastating to think that a heart so oriented toward others could be taken in this way.
Eryn's life was marked by courage, warmth, and action. She was the kind of person who noticed what others missed - and then did something about it. She was deeply compassionate, highly competent, and an unashamed advocate for people who were overlooked, underestimated, or carrying more than most could see. She had a rare mix of tenderness and backbone - the kind of person who could meet you with warmth and move mountains on your behalf.
It is unquestionably true that her life was meaningful, her love was genuine, and her impact is lasting. Her impact will endure through the people she loved, the lives she touched, and the efforts she set in motion with such passion.
Eryn's Celebration of Life Service will be held on March 14, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Moretti's, located at 2300 Bushwood Drive, Elgin, IL 60124.
All deliveries are requested to arrive to this address no earlier than 11:00 AM the same day.
Please direct all questions and communications to memoriam@tlcnonprofit.co
If Eryn impacted you and you’d like to put words to it, you’re invited to send a memory to be shared with her family at her Celebration of Life. We’re gathering notes in one place so they can receive them together.
If you’re not sure what to write, even a small snapshot matters…
a moment when she showed up
something she said that stayed with you
the way she made you feel seen
a story that captures her tenderness and backbone
a simple sentence about what you’ll carry forward because you knew her
Every moment is worth being shared.
Share a Memory
In the weeks since Eryn’s passing, our team has felt how many corners of TLC she was quietly holding. Our team is doing everything we can to maintain continuity, but we’ll be honest: contuing forward in her absence has been heavy.
Eryn was a fierce advocate in the most practical sense of the word - she didn’t just notice what was wrong, she built the support people needed to make it right. Inside TLC, she…
passionately developed an innovative internship program connecting aspiring behavior analysts with districts lacking specialized expertise,
was the heart of our student-centered consultation work where she made sure complex learners weren’t written off or misunderstood,
coached district behavior specialists and building administrators so they could lead with confidence and skill, and
contributed to research and publications that strengthen the field and translate evidence into real-world change for the people and systems she cared about most
…because she was always thinking about the next gap in public schools, the next opportunity to extend support, the next way to make help more accessible by those who need it most.
If you have expertise, capacity, or practical support you’re willing to offer - even for a short season - we would welcome it. Whether you step in directly or quietly support behind the scenes, your willingness to show up will make a meaningful difference as we continue her efforts.
Walk in Eryn’s Absence
If you feel moved to give in Eryn’s honor, the family has requested donations be made to the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).
Eryn loved the outdoors - she noticed beauty, respected nature, and found peace under open skies. Giving to WWF is a meaningful way to honor that part of her life and help protect the wild places she cherished.
If you wish, you can notify our team of your gift with an ecard. Please share your notification with memoriam@tlcnonprofit.co. Our team will share all donation notifications and personal messages with the family.
Donate Meaningfully
If you feel moved to give in Eryn’s honor, we also invite you to donate to TLC Nonprofit to help fund her efforts that our team is deeply committed to carrying forward.
Eryn poured herself into building real solutions by expanding sustainable supports through initiatives she was actively developing. Giving to TLC helps ensure those efforts continue with the same warmth, rigor, and fierce advocacy she brought to everything she touched.
Your donation to TLC continues the efforts Eryn was so fiercely and faithfully building. You will also be added to our monthly impact update to see where her efforts move in the years to come.
This page last updated on February 14, 2026.