Cory Jo Bennett McCarrier

In Loving Memory of Cory Jo Bennett McCarrier

August 10, 1970 – July 29, 2026

Cory Jo Bennett McCarrier, 55, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, July 29, 2026.

Everyone who knew Cory has a story about her. Chances are it still makes you smile.

Born on August 10, 1970, in Peru, Illinois, Cory was the daughter of James and Caryl (Hildebrandt) Bennett. She graduated from LaSalle-Peru Township High School with the Class of 1988, where she served as Class President, was crowned Homecoming Queen, and participated as both a cheerleader and Cavalette. The friendships she built during those years lasted a lifetime. Many of her closest friends had known her since childhood and high school, a reflection of the loyal friend she was and the love she poured into every relationship.

She attended Illinois Valley Community College before earning both her Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and her Master of Science in Biology with an emphasis in Immunology from Illinois State University. Cory built a successful career with Abbott Laboratories, AbbVie, Hospira, and Pfizer where she recently received a well-earned promotion. She was especially proud to have what she affectionately called "a back row seat" in the production of the COVID-19 vaccine. She never sought recognition but found great pride in knowing her work helped make a difference in the lives of others.

As a single mother, Cory worked tirelessly to give her son, Nicholas (Jacklyn Payne) Zimmerman, every opportunity she could. She was always in his corner—encouraging him, cheering him on, and supporting every dream and endeavor he pursued. Watching her family continue to grow became one of the greatest joys of her life.

Of all the titles she held throughout her life, "MeeMaw" was the one she treasured most. She adored her grandsons, Josiah and James, and cherished every moment she spent with them. Welcoming baby James into the family just days before her passing was a gift she held close to her heart, and it meant the world to her that he carried on her father James' name.

Cory and her sister, Lee Drendel, weren't just sisters—they were best friends. They talked nearly every evening, often for hours, about everything from politics and recipes to old memories and whatever happened during the day. Through every season of life, they celebrated together, leaned on one another, and remained each other's biggest supporters.

Her niece, Carlee (Eric) Skinner, was much more like a sister than a niece. They shared a special bond filled with laughter, inside jokes, countless memories, and a friendship that only grew stronger over the years. Cory also absolutely loved being "Corny" and "Cowee" to Henlee, Everlee, and Mack, who brought out her playful side and filled her heart with joy.

Cory had an incredible memory. She remembered every funny story, every little detail, and somehow still knew the phone numbers of friends she had since grade school. She loved trivia and was always the person you wanted on your team.

She loved feeding the people she loved. She enjoyed trying new recipes, growing vegetables in her garden, watching cooking shows and true crime documentaries, cheering on her beloved New York Yankees, and rarely missing The Stephanie Miller Show. At the end of the day, she was happiest at home with her beloved cats, Arya and Cali, who were every bit as much a part of the family as anyone else.

Life with Cory was simply fun. If Thriller came on, she knew every move. Living room dance parties happened often, laughter came easily, and somehow headstand contests—even on cement —always seemed like a perfectly reasonable idea at the time.

Cory cared deeply about people. She believed in kindness, equality, and helping others whenever she could. She generously gave her time to political causes she believed in, volunteered at charitable fundraisers, and quietly looked for ways to make someone else's day a little brighter.

Cory is survived by her father, James Bennett; her son, Nicholas (Jacklyn Payne) Zimmerman; her grandsons, Josiah and James; her sister, Lee Drendel; her niece, Carlee (Eric) Skinner; her great-nieces and great-nephew, Henlee, Everlee, and Mack Skinner; along with many dear friends, classmates, coworkers, cousins, and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Caryl Bennett; her sister, Susan Bennett; her paternal grandparents, James and Kathryn Bennett; and her maternal grandparents, Robert and Elizabeth "Dolly" Hildebrandt.

A celebration of Cory's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to The Super Jake Foundation, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Ronald McDonald House Charities, a local animal shelter, or another charity of your choice.

Life was simply more fun with Cory in it.

Kenosha Funeral Services & Crematory

8226-Sheridan Rd.

Kenosha, WI 53143

(262) 652-1943

www.kenosha-funeral-services.com