Janine Ackerman

Janine Ella Ackerman (March 1, 1982 – April 8, 2017) brought energy, care, and professionalism to every role she held. A native of Mount Holly, New Jersey, Janine carried the values of hard work and family loyalty throughout her life. She graduated from Woodstown High School, where she excelled in field hockey, and went on to Michigan State University. Janine built a career in hospitality and fitness — including leadership positions at the Fontainebleau Hotel in Miami Beach and later as General Manager of the Equinox gym at Merrick Park in Coral Gables.

Friends and family remember Janine as someone who loved the outdoors, shared adventures with her fiancé Kareem Zarwi, and found joy in simple moments: paddle boarding around Dinner Key, cruising through Coconut Grove, exploring vineyards in Napa, or relaxing over a bottle of wine. She and Kareem cared for their cat, Cali, and enjoyed summers and family trips that became cherished traditions.

Janine was proud of her work and the relationships she built with colleagues and members. Those who knew her recall a thoughtful leader who combined a hospitality background with a passion for fitness to create welcoming spaces for others. Her family remembers her as the embodiment of the Ackerman family values — honesty, respect, and responsibility — and as a woman who made ordinary days brighter.

Her passing on April 8, 2017, left a deep void among those who loved her. While words cannot replace Janine’s presence, her life is honored through memories shared by family, friends, and the community she served. She is survived by her parents, siblings, and her fiancé, and will be remembered for the warmth, dedication, and genuine kindness she offered to everyone around her.