Margaret M. Nykaza
Margaret Mary Nykaza, 69, of Evergreen Park, Illinois passed away peacefully at home August 12, 2023. She was surrounded with love by her family as she entered into Heaven.
Marge was born June 10, 1954 in Oak Lawn, Illinois to Margaret and Thomas O’Connell. She was the sister to Mary (Jim) Connolly, Tim (Patti) O’Connell, Thomas O’Connell, and Joseph O’Connell. After completing an undergraduate degree in music education at Eastern Illinois University she married her high school sweetheart Edward Nykaza August 16, 1975 at St. Linus Catholic Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois.
Marge was a devoted mother, and together they raised Edward (Kelly), Michael (Fran), and Keith (Christy) in Evergreen Park. A loving grandmother to Leah, Lukas, Maggie, Grace, and Michael, they brought her tremendous joy and she leaves a legacy they will carry along through her influence of unconditional love, laughter, and music.
Always a positive force and source of inspiration, Marge was a professional singer, energetic choir director, and vivid story teller. She touched a broad community in the Chicagoland area and throughout the world in which she shared her talents and lived a life of service. Throughout her career she held positions providing musical instruction to students of all ages within the Catholic Archdiocese as well as sharing her voice at countless weddings, funerals, and religious services. In her local community she taught music and theology at local schools, inspiring young artists to find their own voice. Marge took her musical experience around the globe including trips to Africa, Europe, and New Zealand with many stops in between. She sang and shared her talents with local programs as she followed her call to grow in her commitment to help others. Marge was a friend to everyone she met and her life’s work has had an impact on many people in cities, states, and countries around the world.
Serving individuals through music was Marge’s passion. As an avid learner throughout the years, Marge continued her education with a degree in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola University, certification as a Cross-Cultural Music Healing Practitioner, and a Doctorate of Ministry degree from Graduate Theological Foundation. In 2000 she conceptualized and founded Harmony, Hope, & Healing, a non-profit organization combining her love of music and passion to help vulnerable community members heal from trauma. The HHH music programs she started offer support and healing to women, men, and children affected by homelessness, addiction, and isolation. Marge retired as Executive Director from Harmony, Hope, & Healing in 2020 and her legacy lives on in the programs offered that continue to be a source of inspiration and encouragement for countless individuals.
Marge is survived by her husband, three sons and daughter-in-laws and five grandchildren & five grandpets; siblings Mary and Tom; multiple nieces, nephews and cousins whom she held very dear.
She was preceded in death by her father and mother as well as her brothers Tim and Joe and a son Kevin.
Visitation will be held Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 9am-11am at Old St. Patrick’s Cathedral, 700 W. Adams in Chicago, with Mass at 11 am. Burial will be private. Due to limited street parking we suggest using Spot Hero for 625 Adams which is across the street from the Church. To livestream the Funeral Mass Thursday, please click this link : https://livestream.com/oldstpats/margenykaza
The family would like to acknowledge the amazing care provided by Marge’s medical team at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for the support provided over a number of years, as well as Journey Care for providing hospice care with dignity and kindness.
A Memorial has been set up to benefit Harmony, Hope, & Healing : https://www.harmonyhopeandhealing.org/
“Live your life with love in your heart and in all you do, and all will be well.”
-Margaret Mary Nykaza
Arrangements entrusted to Thompson & Kuenster Funeral Home.