Obituary of Tahara Dykhuizen

Tahara Dykhuizen Age 48, of Joliet, IL and formerly New York City, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 1, 2017 at Loyola University Foster G. McGaw Hospital, Maywood, IL, after battling the complications of cancer treatment for many years. She was born February 19, 1968 to Frances Brown and the late Skelse Alvino Villanueva in New York where she was raised and educated. She was formerly employed as a human resources specialist until shortly after she was diagnosed and could no longer continue in her occupation. Survived by her husband of 6 1/2 years, Adam Dykhuizen of Joliet; her mother, Frances of New York; siblings, Kadar and Islam Villanueva, Sheba Hilliard, Idris, Osman, Iman Villanueva and Najm Sawdogo all of New York; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Patricia and Glen Dykhuizen of Joliet; sister and brother-in-laws, Ellen (Christopher) Ramirez of Joliet, Claire (Aaron) Somerville of Leander, TX, Peter, Henry and JoAnna Dykhuizen all of Joliet. Tahara was also a cherished niece of several, including Phyllis, Joan and Rita; beloved and sweet aunt of Mansur, Max, Adam, Gabby; Benjamin, Veronica, Cecilia and Paulina. Several other relatives and friends also survive. It has been said that cancer can rob one of her spirit and diminish the soul. Not so for Tahara; her legacy, beauty in every aspect of her being. Funeral Services for Tahara Dykhuizen will be held Monday February 6, 2017, 9:00 a.m. at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, IL 60431 to St. Joseph Catholic Church of Rockdale, IL where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Fr. Michael Magiera, Celebrant. Interment will follow in Risen Lord Cemetery, Oswego, IL. Visitation SATURDAY February 4, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorials in her name can be made to any organization supporting cancer research. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com. My pretty lady, my baby doll, my best friend, my lover, my beautiful wife Tahara (Tara) passed away yesterday surrounded by her family and friends. She was an inspiration to everyone she met. Beautiful, clever, funny, humble, and full of life and love despite her illness and many trials. You are loved.......and will be missed. My love always, Adam 02/02/2017