Cynthia “Tia” Ann Certik, 57 of Huntley, passed away unexpectedly at her home on Wednesday afternoon, January 3, 2018.
She was born November 4, 1960 in La Grange, Illinois, the daughter of Edward J. and Caroline (Boness) Schude. She was raised in Brookfield, Illinois and graduated from Lyons Township High School in 1978. She then received her undergraduate degree from Triton College for child care. She was united in marriage to John P. Certik on May 22, 1982 in La Grange, Illinois. She started her career in early childhood development and later taught blind and disabled children. The couple made their homes in Berwyn, Hoffman Estates, Schaumburg and finally Huntley. While living in Huntley, she earned her Bachelors in Human Resources from Judson University. She had been employed for a number of years at MetLife and was currently employed at First Choice Fyzical Therapy in Huntley. Throughout her life she periodically worked as a youth group leader for a number of Lutheran churches. Tia enjoyed animal rescue and had been the Vice-President of Illinois Animal Rescue. She loved spoiling her granddaughters, her animals and researching her family genealogy.
She is survived by her husband, John of Huntley, her children, Edward (Kim) Certik of Woodstock and Caroline Certik and her fiance Joseph Wilson of Huntley, her granddaughters, Cheyenne and Charlotte, and her sister, Sue (Jim) Pedersen of Rock Hill, South Carolina, Sally (Bob) Lentz of Palatine and Chris Schude of Lancaster, South Carolina. She was preceded in death by her parents.
Visitation will be from 4:00 – 8:00 p.m. on Monday, January 8th and the Funeral Service will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, January 9th all at the DeFiore-Jorgensen Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley. Burial will be in Algonquin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lutheran Church Charities. Fore more information please call 847-515-8772 or online condolences can be directed to www.defiorejorgensen.com
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I have known John for 60 years, knew them when they first met, stood up for their wedding, and have enjoyed seeing them for all these years. this is one of the most heartbreaking moments of my life. To lose someone so dear so unexpectedly is devastating and I still cannot come to grips with it. Our heartfelt condolences go out to John, Ed, and Carrie and the rest of the Certik family.
Sending my condolences
Tia, I still can't believe that you're gone, it seems so unreal. You were such an inspiration to me and a second mom to my kids. You were the best friend anyone could ask for and I am honored that you were one of mine. Rest in Peace my friend and know that you are very much missed and loved by so many. I love you
Tia was truly an Amazing woman, she cared about her family and was truly a humanitarian, her love for animals was part of her big heart! Our heart goes out to John, Ed and Carrie and little grandbabies! She definitely left her mark Love, scott and Carrie sharapata
My best moment with Tia was when a freezing duck insisted on coming in the front door at 1st Choice Physical Therapy in Huntley. She didn't hesitate one moment and picked up that wild duck and wrapped it in a warm towel. Patients talked about that the whole winter. She most certainly will be missed our thoughts and prayers go out to the family.
John, Ed, and Caroline, Please accept my condolences on the passing of Tia. May she rest in peace. May the good Lord give you all strength to get through these trying times. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
We are sorry to hear that our cousin Tia has passed. She will be missed by us all.
Sending prayers to the family may she rest in peace.
So very sorry for your loss....
This should not be, she had so much to live for, so much yet to do, so many people loved her. I would switch places with her in a heartbeat if I could.