Jean Kay (Lewis) Nieciak passed away on January 7, 2026.

Born and raised in New Philadelphia, Ohio, she often talked about her wonderful childhood with her parents and siblings whom she loved fiercely. Jean graduated from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a degree in Speech Therapy.  Her instinctive nurturing character led to a career as a speech therapist, working in grade schools.  Her first job was in Hartford, CT and that is where she met James Nieciak who was there for insurance training. She moved to Chicagoland and they married in 1973. Jean and Jim set roots in Darien, IL in 1976 and remained there, on Maple Lane.

After a couple of years in the Chicago Public School system, Jean stopped working as a speech therapist to raise her kids and could always be counted on the be a “room Mom”, chaperone field trips, lead Girl/ Boy Scout troops, and anything else her kids volunteered her for.  As a Grandmother, a role she was seemingly born for, she was simply the best. She also supported Jim in all his business ventures, often working long hours in those businesses. 

Jean was an avid reader, card player, and chocoholic.  She especially enjoyed being with her long-time bridge group (probably more for the friendship and desserts than cards) and the Maple Lane Pinochle crew.

Jean was known to be kind and caring, but also quick witted and good for some sarcastic remarks.  Always a football fan, she adopted the Chicago Bears and frequently attended games in full fan gear. 

She is survived by daughter Nicole Yuska (Tim), son Benjamin Nieciak (Shannan Skidmore), grandson Cameron Yuska, and sister Carol Wamphler. She was preceded in death by her husband James Nieciak, brother David Lewis, sister Linda Laghetto, and parents Dorothy and Wilbur Lewis.

Her family would like to thank the caregivers and friends who supported Jean with love and compassion during her final days. 

Jean will be loved and remembered always.  Each of us she touched and changed for the better, will carry on the best of her spirit.

Visitation Saturday January 17th from 9:30 am until the time of the Service 12-Noon at Adolf & Powell Funeral Home 7000 S. Madison Street, Willowbrook. Services will conclude at the funeral home. Following the service, all guests are invited to join the family for a reception.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations in her memory to: Darien District 61 Educational Foundation 7414 S. Cass Ave. Darien IL 60561 or online https://www.darien61foundation.org/donate/