Laura Myee Stonikas, age 39, of Chicago, left us unexpectedly on February 25, 2024. She was born on February 19, 1985, to Martin and Rita Stonikas and grew up in Elmhurst where she attended District 205 schools.
Laura’s zest for life and appreciation for the finer things were infectious. She was a seasoned traveler and fulfilled much her dream of travelling the world, studying abroad, and exploring her Lithuanian heritage by visiting family and cousins there. Her love for Bulldogs extended beyond her cherished companions, Winston and Stella, and she actively participated in Chicago’s English Bulldog community. Laura’s outgoing personality, warmth, and generosity fostered lasting friendships wherever she went, leaving an indelible mark on the lives of those who knew her.
Laura pursued ambitious education and career goals. She worked at Chicago’s top companies including Aon Consulting, KPMG Advisory, Northern Trust Bank, CDW, McKinsey & Company, among others. She received her Bachelor of Science from Saint Louis University (Summa Cum Laude) where she participated activities including Delta Gamma Sorority, Alpha Sigma Nu, Omicron Delta Kappa, Student Government Association, and The United Nations Association. She earned her Master of Business Administration from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management (Dean’s List).
She is survived by her parents; brother, Martin II (Nikki Way) Stonikas; sister, Gina Stonikas; grandmother, Shirley Bayers; and uncles and aunts, Eugene Stonikas, Linda Stonikas, William (Debbie) Stonikas, Robert (Jan) Stonikas, Michael Bayers, Mary (Dave) Thering, Patrick (Colette) Bayers, Anna Soria, Mark (Carol) Bayers, Lisa Bayers and Nancy (Leo) Hoerdemann. She was proudly the firstborn grandchild of her maternal side and leaves behind 22 first cousins.
Laura is preceded in death by her grandparents, Eugene & Myee Stonikas, Richard Bayers and her cousin, Daniel Thering.
Funeral Services were held Saturday, March 2, 2024 at Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to nonprofit organizations close to Laura’s heart, Resilience (ourresilience.org) or Onward Neighborhood House (onwardhouse.org).
Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – THE AHLGRIM CHAPEL. For information, 630-834-3515 or www.elmhurstfh.com.
