Beloved Sandburg Coach Loses Battle with Cancer

A treasured member of the Carl Sandburg High School community has died.

Coach Jane Caliendo succumbed to cancer Saturday, according to social media updates from her family and former students.

Caliendo coached swimming and water polo, and was the wife of Eagles coach Jim Caliendo. The Sandburg and District 230 communities rallied around the family as she battled the disease. Former students, staff and those impacted by Caliendo Saturday shared their memories and words of support upon her passing, many noting that she inspired them to pursue a love of swimming.

Caliendo shared her frustration and fire in a Tweet Sept. 28, writing, “Still fighting!!!! Fight with me!!!”

She is survived by her husband Jim, daughter Maggie, and stepchildren Jamie and Jason.

“Thank you to you all. Jane and i are so very grateful for all the love and support,” shared Jim Caliendo in a Tweet. “She is a true champion. My angel. My love.”

Funeral and visitation information was not immediately available Saturday.