Nadiya Ilkiv

She was born in Ivano Frankivsk, Ukraine, on May 8, 1969, to Ivan and Stefaniia (née Fedorniyak) Ilkiv.

Nadiya was a woman whose love, kindness, and extraordinary spirit touched countless lives. She was the heart and soul of her family, the light in every room, and the life of every celebration. Her infectious laughter, beautiful smile, and endless love for life made everyone around her feel welcomed and cherished. A giver in every sense of the word, Nadiya would gladly give the shirt off her back to help someone in need. Her generosity knew no boundaries, and her greatest joy was bringing happiness to others.

Music and Ukrainian culture were woven into the fabric of her life. A violinist from a young age, Nadiya had a lifelong passion for singing, dancing, and celebrating her heritage.

She shared her love of Ukrainian traditions through choirs, theatrical productions, and cultural events. She knew countless Ukrainian songs by heart and could fill any room with music and joy. As a beloved teacher at the Ukrainian school in Chicago, she inspired generations of students, sharing not only the Ukrainian language but also the history, traditions, and pride of their heritage.

A devoted humanitarian and passionate advocate for Ukraine, Nadiya dedicated much of her life to helping others and preserving Ukrainian culture. Through fundraising efforts supporting Ukraine, her service as a board member of YKAKA , her beloved role as a radio host for Vechirnia Trubyna Radio, and her involvement with the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America, not to mention her role as the head of WOMENS ASSN FOR THE DEFENSE of 4 Freedoms of Ukraine Kateryna Zarytska Branch ,she made a lasting impact on her community. Her contributions to the Ukrainian diaspora were also recognized through a nomination by Mayor Daley.

Above all, Nadiya's greatest legacy is the love she leaves behind. She had a rare gift for bringing people together, turning ordinary moments into treasured memories filled with laughter, music, and warmth. She loved her family fiercely, cherished her friendships, and made everyone feel like they belonged.

Her passing leaves an immeasurable emptiness, but her joyful spirit, generous heart, and unwavering love will live on through her family, friends, students, and the countless lives she touched.

Her voice may be silent, but her songs will live on. Her laughter may no longer fill the room, but the joy she brought will remain in our hearts forever.

Nadiya is survived by her beloved parents, Ivan and Stefaniia Ilkiv; cherished sons, Volodymr (Sylvia) Sabetskyy and Andrew Sabetskyy; dear granddaughters, Lilly Sabetskyy and Sophia Sabetskyy; loving sister, Lesya (Paul Thompson) Ilkiv; fond niece, Nataliya (Dzmitry Sazanovich) Ilkiv; as well as many dear friends and members of the community who will forever cherish her memory.

In lieu of flowers, please contact Volodymr Sabetskyy for memorial contributions information. Email: [email protected] Phone: 773-366-5328

Visitation will be held from 1:00 PM-5:00 PM on Sunday, November 15th, 2026, at Glueckert Funeral Home, 1520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL, 60004. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, November 16th, 2026, at Immaculate Conception Ukrainian Catholic Church, 116 E Illinois Ave, Palatine, IL 60067. Burial to follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery in Palatine, IL.