Ruth M. Lidecka

Ruth Lidecka, beloved sister and friend, passed away on October 7, 2025 after a valiant battle with a long-term illness. She was born in Aurora on December 7, 1958.
Ruth was a member of West Aurora High School Class of 1977, graduated with honors from Augustana College in 1981 where she was a member of its prestigious choir, then went on to do post-graduate work at the University of Chicago. She was a longtime legal secretary at Quarles and Brady LLP in Chicago.
A gifted singer and talented performer, Ruth appeared in many lead roles with the Gilbert & Sullivan Opera Company at the University of Chicago. Her favorite role was that of the Fairy Queen in Iolanthe. She was a member of the University of Chicago Chorus and was a winner in the University Concerto Competition. Ruth sang the alto solo in Mahler's Symphony No. 2 with the University Symphony Orchestra and Chorus. She also appeared for years with the Music of the Baroque in Chicago. Ruth loved Chicago with its music, live theater and great restaurants, and was a contented resident there for over 4 decades.
Ruth loved traveling, especially to Upper Michigan, Walt Disney World, Disneyland, Oregon, Grand Rapids and the Wisconsin North Woods. She loved spending time with friends, reading, and watching movies. She especially loved Harry Potter (she was a proud Hufflepuff) and Ted Lasso.
Ruth was preceded in death by her parents, Ray & Jodeen (Fitzgerald) Lidecka, brother David C. Lidecka, sister Sara Schubbe, brother-in-law Mike Schubbe and best friend Randy Cooper. Ruth is survived by sisters Jane (Ron) Laird, Martha (Scott) Chesterfield, and Samantha Lidecka, numerous nieces and nephews and scores of friends.
The family is grateful for the wonderful care Ruth received at Illinois Masonic Hospital and especially thankful to friends Susan McMillan and Amelia Fonti for their generosity, kindness and devotion to Ruth.
A Celebration of Life will take place at Healy Chapel, 332 West Downer Place, Aurora, IL 60506 on Saturday, October 25, 2025 with visitation from 11:00am to 1:00pm and service at 1:00pm.