The Waterloo business community is mourning the loss of Jill Zappitelli, a respected leader, entrepreneur, and beloved resident of Eastbridge, who passed away unexpectedly.
Jill was the President and CEO of H2R Business Solutions Inc., a successful human resources consulting firm that she built from the ground up. Her passing marks the loss of not only a skilled professional but a woman whose resilience, kindness, and unwavering drive left a lasting impact on those who knew her.
Jill’s story is one of perseverance, self-reliance, and dedication. Born and raised in Kitchener, Ontario, she demonstrated an independent spirit from a young age. At 17, when her family relocated to Atlanta, Jill made the courageous decision to stay behind and pursue her education at Conestoga College.
She enrolled in the Business Administration Management program and supported herself by working full-time while attending school. “While some people may think it was a scary time, I was so focused and relished the independence,” Jill once said of that formative period.
Her determination paid off when she graduated with her diploma in Business Administration Management. She went on to earn her Human Resources certificate, eventually attaining both the Certified Human Resources Professional (CHRP) and Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL) designations—credentials that would shape her successful career in HR.
Jill’s professional journey began at The Mutual Group/Clarica/Sun Life, where she spent a decade developing her expertise. She later held roles at BlackBerry (RIM) and a Guelph-based not-for-profit organization before stepping into HR outsourcing.
Encouraged by friends, clients, and mentors, Jill took a leap of faith and founded her own HR firm, H2R Business Solutions, in Waterloo. Not long after its launch, she acquired and merged with another small HR firm, growing her team to 12 employees in just five years.
She often referred to her staff as her “second family” and credited them for much of her company’s success. “I have the best team ever and am so proud of what we accomplish and the outstanding service we provide to our clients,” she said.
Jill’s business was more than a source of income; it was a reflection of her values. H2R Business Solutions specialized in supporting local small- and medium-sized businesses that lacked in-house HR departments. Jill and her team offered more than just services—they became trusted partners, deeply embedded in the companies they served.
Beyond her professional achievements, Jill was a devoted mother and community member. Waterloo was not only her business hub but her home. She first settled in the Eastbridge neighbourhood for its family-friendly atmosphere, trails, and proximity to RIM Park.
Later, she moved to a more mature section of Eastbridge, undeterred by the unusual choice of purple décor in her new home. To Jill, it was a place full of potential and perfect for raising her two sons, Carter and Austin.
Jill embraced the vibrant community around her, participating in local events like summer garage sales, Halloween parties, and family fun days. She found joy not just in building her career but in building relationships—at work, in her neighbourhood, and most importantly, with her family.
Her legacy is one of grit, compassion, and community spirit. Jill Zappitelli leaves behind her sons, her extended family, her colleagues, and countless friends and clients who were inspired by her life. She will be remembered as a woman who led with heart, lived with purpose, and made an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to know her.
