Obituary: Miriam Lykke

Miriam C. Lykke, 89, of Barrington, passed away on March 27, 2012, in Inverness.

She was born on October 14, 1922, to Charles and Mary Chylinski in Detroit, Michigan.

Miriam strove throughout her life to excel in her studies and her work.  She earned her Bachelor’s Degree in English from Wesleyan College in Georgia.  Shortly after graduation, Miriam met her future husband and was married in New Orleans. 

Miriam began teaching in 1951, first at the elementary level and then high school, becoming the director of an innovative new program called TESL, Teaching English as a Second Language, at Nicholas Senn High School, Chicago, in 1965.  Miriam directed the program for 25 years, becoming a nationally recognized leader in the field and was named Teacher of the Year for Chicago Public Schools in 1972.  More important to her personally, she aided immigrant families beyond language, helping them find housing and jobs, obtain health and social services, and maintain pride in their cultural roots.

While teaching and raising her family, Miriam earned a Master’s Degree in Linguistics from Northeastern Illinois University, studied Spanish in Mexico, Hebrew in Israel, and Chinese at the University of San Francisco.  Earning a second Bachelor’s Degree in Judaic Studies from Spertus College was a major milestone for Miriam, and an important step in her conversion to Judaism.

Miriam retired in 1989 but never stopped being an educator, active member of the community, and the best “Grammy” her two granddaughters could ever have.   In the Barrington area, she was an member of the League of Women Voters, Hadassah, and the Barrington Area Writers Group.  Miriam also volunteered with District 220 for seven years, helping with the gifted student programs at Hough and Countryside schools.   She was inducted into the Barrington Area Council on Aging’s Hall of Fame in 2000.

Miriam is survived by her son, Peer (Janet Agnoletti) Lykke; grandchildren, Lucia Lykke and Lauren Lykke.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Per Lykke; sister, Karol Jackman; and her parents.

Visitation will be held from 1-4 pm, Thursday, April 5, 2012, at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 149 W. Main Street, Barrington, IL 60010, with a memorial service to be held at 3 pm at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Barrington Area Council on Aging, www.bacoa.org.

Following the services at the funeral home, the family would like to invite guests for a further opportunity to get together in the Community Room at Lake Barrington Woods, 22320 Classic Court, Lake Barrington.  A light meal and refreshments will be served.

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