Alicia was one of the most influencial people in my life, and an unforgettable presence--as anyone who met her can attest to. After her time in Berkeley, she came home intellectually alive and committed to fighting the good fight...and energized my awareness & activism. We spent many long nights in our 20's discussing injustice and how to best repair civilizations greatest errors. 

Parts of me--the best parts, indeed--I owe to her...and many others would echo that sentiment.

Thank you, Alicia. 

She was also one of the most physically beautiful people I've ever met, with true film-star charisma. If anyone in our 4,000—student high school was built for celebrity, it was her.

Alicia's passing is not simply tragic; it's a loss to humanity.

Dearest Jack,

I am so, so sorry, for the loss of your beautiful Alicia...

A very dear person, gone too soon. She will be missed by many. My sincere condolences.

I imagine there is no pain more far-reaching and deeper than losing a daughter. My heart and prayers go out to you at this most difficult time.

Millie

We were all so very sorry to hear of Alicia's passing away.  Her smile lit up a room; and she will be missed by many.  May the Hughes and Yaus families find strength in this difficult time.

The Richard A Walsh family, friends of Jack and Mardie

My deep and heartfelt condolences to the Hughes family.

I only recently met Alicia, just this past November.
We met through mutual friends and talked for a long time.
I was so impressed by her radiance, her genuine air of kindness and of course her beauty. My heart goes out to her family.

Dear Alice,you your family and all friends  are in my thoughts and prayers..there are no words for this sorrow...I am so sorry for this beauty to be gone from us..this beautiful spirit..

My Condolences to the Family of Alicia, I was on the swim team with both  Mardie and Alicia, and when I worked at Eds Way Alicia would come in and we would talk for awhile. My Prayers for the Family and God Bless all of you.    
Nancy Kiolbasa-Peters

Dear Mardie and Jack and all of Alicia's family, I am so sorry for your loss. I have fond and vivid memories of playing with Alicia (and Mardie) when we were both little girls living on Lathrop avenue. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Mardie Anderson and Family, I know words cannot take away the pain you feel about Alicia. I did not know her but reading about her:  I found she was a wonderful mother and woman, daughter and aunt, sister and friend.  Your fond memories of her will bring you joy forever.  Please know that you are in our family's prayers and we are embracing you with hugs.  Nancy, Fiona and Liam

To all who were touched by Alicia and her infectious smile and personality I am sending strength and prayers. Such a heartbreaking loss for everyone that new her. She will be remembered always!

To Alicia's family.  I am so very sorry for your loss.  Alicia was a bright light in this world.  My thoughts and prayers are with you.

To Alice and Family,
I am so sorry for your loss, offering my deepest condolences to you. The memorial service was absolutely beautiful and a great tribute to you and your family.
Char Messina

To all of Alicia's family, and especially her three children,

Alicia was a great and caring friend to my sister all through high school.  We all got to visit Alicia and her kids, and her chickens and bunnies:) in her home not too long ago, where she was her usual warm, quirky, vivacious, and inviting self:). That is the beautiful Alicia that I will always remember. RIP 

Anne Terio

To all of Alicia's family, I didn't know Aicia well when we were at OPRF together but was lucky enough to get to know her after graduation. I looked forward to seeing her everyday at Ascension when our youngest children were in pre-school together. She made me laugh, she was kind, she was smart and she was beautiful, inside and out. I believe she was a unique and special gift. I'm praying for all of you. May her memory be eternal.

Andrew, Audrey and Cate,

We are deeply saddened and truly sorry for your loss. Your mom's passing broke our hearts. We will always remember her smile and quirky sense of humor. We have known her for about 15 years. Andrew and Katie attended Ascension School together, and Katie and Jenny performed with both Audrey and Cate. God bless you all. 

Corky, Phil, Katie and Jenny Yaccino

That sweet smile I will never forget.  I first met Alicia when she student taught at Holmes school.  My 7 year old son had a mad crush on Ms. Holmes.  Over the following years I would run into Alicia and always remember the warm, interesting and fun conversations we had.  She was beautiful inside and out.  I cannot imagine how deep her loss will be felt by all those close to her.  Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Kathy Gillespie

Alicia was a wonderful person.  She brightened everyone's day with her presence.  She will be truly missed.  My deepest sympathy to her wonderful family and friends.

Light to guide you to the heavens Alicia and to see your children here on earth. You are loved and will be missed.

Dear Alice, Anything that I write seems to little....but nothing that I feel seems too much. I am so so so very sorry "for your loss".   Pam

I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you at this most difficult time. Please accept our heartfelt condolences that we hope will help you through this difficult time.

Alice-

My most sincere sympathies to you and your family for your loss.

Mimi Keane
THS '63

You are in our thoughts and prayers.  
Much love to you in this most difficult time.  
John and Bridget Pettinger

Alice,

You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. 
My Deepest Sympathy,

Donna Hintze Ryan THS '63

Such a beautiful video tribute to Alicia. We will remember her as someone with a caring heart and generous soul.  Sympathies and healing thoughts to Alicia's family.  
The Carpenter Family
Julie, Rob, Charlie & Harry

Jack & Sue Hughes, My Deepest Sympathy to you, & the family! My prayers go out to you, at this difficult time! Mary Ann Rowland (Kerri Rowland's Mom)

I did not know Alicia well but our few conversations left an impression on me. Her beautiful smile and vivacious personality will be remembered, and she will be sorely missed by all.  My prayers go out to all of her friends and family, and especially to her beautiful children.

We will miss our Alicia a.k.a Mrs. Yaus. We are so very sorry for the loss of her beautiful life. Love and prayers, 
Leah, Gabriel and Olivia Gonzalez

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family.  She was a beautiful, bright, caring person.  The Sokol Family

Our deepest condolences to the Hughes and Yaus Families.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time.  Mary Ann Jurgus and Marvin Abrahamson

I am in total shock. I have known Alicia for many years. Though we did not see each other often when we did it was as if time stood still. This world will miss you Alicia. Peace in the heavens up above....Gale

Dear Mardie and family,  you are in my prayers during this very difficult time. The collective love for Alicia will ALWAYS be there for your support. Bless her.

Your beautiful Alicia was good friends with a mutual friend of mine. So truly sorry.

Dearest Hughes Family, my entire family both the Jack & Devona Beard clan and the Mr. & Mrs. Roger B. Ziech clan would like to extend our deepest condolences as you morn the loss of your beautiful daughter.  Words can not even begin to express our sorrow.  God Bless.  - Sincerely,  Megan Anne Beard - Ziech

I am so sorry for your loss.  Alicia was a classmate of mine in high school and I always had great respect for her.

Our thoughts & prayers are with all of Alicia's family. I pray that God will give you the strength & faith to get you through this very difficult time . May Alicia now be all of yours very Special Guardian Angel . Alicia will live on in the hearts & minds of those who loved her . 
Sympathy & prayers ,
Laura Fanning-Saverino

Alice,
I am so very sorry for your loss. I will be keeping all of your family in my thoughts and prayers.

Mary Barrett

To Alicia's family, my sincerest sympathy for your loss.
Jean Nicholaou

To Alicia's family, my sincerest sympathy for your loss.

To Alicia's entire extended family, 
Please accept my deepest, deepest sympathy.  I just wanted to say about her that it was obvious that she was born exceptionally talented as well as beautiful.  That was clear for all to see.  She also had that uniquely "Alicia quick humor" or quip for any moment or occasion.  Having known her since our elementary days at Holmes and throughout high school, I will always remember her strong personality and charisma.  There are no words that can fit at a time like this, but please know that I am thinking of all of you and pray that God will give you His divine comfort...forever.  

With deepest sympathy,
Winkie Ilic (known as Winkle Hirschfield in my Oak Park days)

My deepest sympathies to the family of Alicia and especially her dear children.   Although I did not know her I am a cousin to some of the Hughes (on the Solon side).   I am praying for all at this devastating news.   Gone too soon.

Diane McSweeney-Allen

I am so very sorry for your loss. I did not know Alicia but her eyes tell me she was a beautiful soul. I pray that her family finds comfort as time passes. May her spirit live on in your hearts

To Alicia's Family,

I am sadden by the passing of Alicia. Growing up in Oak Park, she was always kind and genuine to everyone. She had a beautiful soul that shined so bright for all to see.

So very sorry for this incredible loss . Praying for your pain to ease with time .
Nothing makes sense in this life ..... 
With deep sympathy,
Colleen Kane

To Alicia's Family.  Our deepest sympathy to her entire family.  We are so sorry for your loss.  May God hold her tight and welcome her into his kingdom. 
Cathy Adduci and Jenna Ronan

Our hearts go out Alicia's family in this very difficult time.

Paul and I are very sorry for your loss. Jack and Sue, we will be with you in prayers.

I am so sorry for your loss. What a generous, large hearted soul she was. She will be missed

To Alicia's Family,
I am so sorry for your heart wrenching loss. I have such fond memories of Alicia from our time at OPRF. She was always so warm and kind. Always smiling. A truly beautiful woman and soul. She will be so dearly missed by so many. I wish you healing comfort. 
My deepest condolences.

OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL OF  ALICIA"S LOVED ONES. MAY GOD HOLD YOU IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND AT THIS SADDEST OF TIMES IN YOUR LIVES. 

TICK AND KATHIE FLANNERY

To Alice and Family,
So very sorry for your terrible loss. I remember many enjoyable conversations with Alicia when I was Andrew's teacher at Ascension. She was such a warm and friendly person. My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family.

My heart breaks for You and Your Family Jack. I am so sorry.

Andrew, Audrey and Cate,
I knew your mom from junior high and high school and ran into her through your school events and occasionally around town.  Your mom was a special person. Hold her close in her heart. Sending you and your entire family healing thoughts.

What I saw most in Alicia: her warm and friendly smile, her deep love for her children, and her beautiful, close relationship with her mother.  She was a bright spirit and I am grateful to have known her. My thought and prayers are with her family and all who knew Alicia as we remember we were truly touched by an Angel by having her in our lives, if only for this brief time.

I knew Alicia from Grace Church. Andrew was in the choir, and Alicia assisted with the choir. She was a beautiful person and a loving mother. My deepest condolences go to your family. My prayers are with you during this painful time.

Dear Alice,
We are sorry for your tragic loss. May you and your family find some measure of  comfort from our thoughts and prayers.
Dawn Anastasiou
Oak Park IL

Very, very sorry. Our prayers are with you.

Alicia's sparkle now shines with the angels but her leaving breaks so many hearts. Our deepest condolences to her children, her parents, siblings, entire family as well as countless friends. We are with you in spirit -- our best thoughts and prayers, Ed & Rita Lavin O'Connell

Alicia was my first real friend in Oak Park. She was kind and had a wonderful heart. Occasionally we would see each other during our children's school events. Although the years had past our conversations didn't reflect the time gone. My prayers are with the family. My best childhood memories include time with Alicia. Rest in heaven my dear friend.

I swam with Alicia at OPRF.  I remember her as a very kind and pleasant person. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mardie and her entire family.

Dear Andrew, Audrey, and Catherine,
Please accept my deepest sympathy on the loss of your beautiful mom. She was a student in my Financial Peace University class last year, and I will always remember her vivacious personality and desire to embrace the concepts in our course. On more than one occasion after class, she expressed her pride and fierce love for you guys. May the Holy Spirit comfort you.

We will miss you. My prayer for the family, and for you Alicia. Today we all have one more angel in paradise  . You are, Alicia.R. I.P.
Prayer and love.
Valentino

To Alicia's Family, my heart aches for you as you grieve this very sad loss. Please be gentle with yourselves as you find your way.

Alicia was so dear to me. She has added so much to so many lives and it has not gone unnoticed. My thoughts are prayers are with your family, and I hope all the love that is sent your way brings comfort and peace to you during this time.

We send our prayers, deep sympathy and love
Gail and Frank Paris

I am extremely saddened by the loss of Alicia. She was my first real friend in Oak Park during 5th grade. I would see her occasionnally at our children's school events. I will always remember her smile, and our conversations that didn't reflect the years that pasted. We were old friends and time didn't change this fact. My prayers go out to the family. Rest in heaven my dear friend.

It's been many years but you family has remained so dear to me. Know that you and the entire family are in my thoughts & prayers as you grieve this heartbreaking loss.

Sending prayers to everyone that held Alicia closevto their heart. I remember Alicia from elementary school.

My condolences. I knew her so long ago. Beautiful soul.

Family and friends,
I am so saddenned that I will not again have an opportunity to converse with Alicia in this world. This life is so short compared to eternity. Jesus greatest command was to love. Alicia's warm, caring smile and kindness emitted so much love. May you find comfort in this difficult time, knowing she is with our God,  our Creator, whose love is deeper, wider and longer,  beyond our comprehension. My tears and prayers are with you.

Alice, Jack, and family,
Our hearts ache for you as you suffer the pain of the loss of your beautiful Alicia. Our prayers are for eventual peace in your minds and hearts.  Much love,

Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of terrible loss and sadness.  May Alicia rest in peace.  Monica Halloran and Louis Butler

I am so sad for your loss.  Alicia is in Heaven with loving family members who passed before her.  God, please help this family.

Alice,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.  Be confident that Alicia rests peacefully in the arms of the Good Shepherd and know that He will walk with you and your family as you grieve.

I met Alicia through my daughter,  Theresa Miller, who loved her and was one of her good friends. Alicia's sudden death is a shock and a tragedy . May her mother, father, children and family and all her friends be comforted in their sorrow and grief. May they keep Alicia in the love in their hearts forever.

My deepest sympathy to Alicia's family and friends. We came to know one another as employees of the same company. I was so happy when Alicia contacted me on Facebook a few years ago. I will always remember her physical beauty, but most importantly the bright light that shone from within. Rest in peace, dear lady.

Alice - Growing up, I remember looking up to Alicia and valuing her for kindness and for her big smile.  I'm so sorry for your great loss.  My prayers are with you and with Alicia's children.

I met Alicia several years ago when teaching her son Andrew in preschool and was impressed by what a lovely and kind woman she was.
Prayers for peace for her family.
Judy Steed  River Forest, Il.

With deep sadness, we say goodbye to our dear sister-in-law, Alicia. We loved her deeply and will never forget the impact she had on our lives. May she rest in peace.

Dear Alice, 
The pain on losing a child does not go away, the only salve is cherishing the wonderful memories of her life. You and Alicia's children will be held in my heart and prayers.  Mary Ellen Lesniak

Shocked and saddened by the tragic loss of Alicia.  We will keep the whole family in our thoughts and prayers.

My heartfelt sorrow and condolences to her children in this difficult time. May her children and family find peace.  God Bless you. 

Carmen Beltran 
Berwyn

The Thomason/White families are profoundly grief stricken . Our prayers and thoughts are with you always.

Sending love and prayers to her children and family in the midst of this transition.

I'll be keeping your family in my thoughts and prayers. I'll always remember her friendly and fun filled personality. I remember shopping at Ananas when it was open in Oak Park. She will be missed. My hope is that God is close and comforting in the months ahead.

Alicia:

Wow. This is a tough one. We were classmates in junior high, friends in high school, and closer friends freshman year of college. You always would run into my relatives in Oak Park and tell them that I took good care of you in Madison. But, your friendship and good natured encouragement took good  care of me too. This summer I was hoping to see you, as I normally do, at the reunion, but I couldn't make it. I am sorry I didn't get to see your smile and bright expressive eyes again. You will always be cool!

Holding the family in my heart.  Alicia had an incredible spark and made an impact on all she encountered.  Her loss is felt profoundly.

Keeping your family and the repose of her soul in my prayers and Mass intentions.  Deepest sympathy.

Memories of her vacuuming our girls bedroom when she was about 8 or so...such a beautiful woman, she will be sorely missed. Our prayers and love are surrounding all of you at this time. Lorry and Carlotta Madonia

Alicia was a brave, brilliant, creative, passionate, generous, soulful, magnificent woman, one of my life's essential allies, closest friends, and truly my sister. I love her and honor her with all my heart now and always. Her beautiful truth will continue to resonate and invent spaces for healing and expansion. She brought fierce light that will shine on.

OBITUARY

Alicia Hughes Yaus

May 27, 1967 – December 2, 2015

Woodlawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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