Anna Bazik Marie Yates OBITUARY

Anna Bazik Marie Yates OBITUARY

Anna Marie (Bazik) Yates, 85, of Arlington Heights, Illinois, passed away peacefully on May 29, 2026.

She is survived by her husband, Douglas Yates; daughters, Jane (Kevin) Galli, Alice (Walter Jacob) Yates, Ann (Robert) Krieger and Elizabeth (Greg) Masslich; grandchildren, Zakira Masslich, Joshua Masslich and Jill Galli. She was preceded in death by her parents; a sister, Edna Bazik and a brother, Andrew Matthew Bazik.

Anna Marie earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Illinois State University and a Ph.D. in Counseling from Northwestern University in 1969.

She began her career as a counselor at Arlington Heights High School in 1963, then accepted a position as the first female counselor at Harper College in Palatine, Illinois in 1967. In 1970, she left Harper and focused on raising her four daughters. After 16 years, Anna Marie returned to counseling at Elk Grove High School and concluded her career as a Professor at National Louis University in Chicago, having trained hundreds of students to become counselors.

Anna Marie was a dedicated wife, mother, and grandmother. She was also focused on serving the broader community, including through serving as PTA president, Girl Scout leader, “Picture Lady” art program coordinator, and site director of Rainbows grief support for youth.

Anna Marie was an active member of the Illinois Counseling Association and past President of the Illinois Association for Specialists in Group Work.

Her Christian faith was strong, and she started each day with a devotion, Bible reading, reflection, and prayer. Anna Marie was a compassionate, selfless, and caring individual. Even during challenging times, her optimistic, grateful, and persevering attitude uplifted others. We will sorely miss her.

Two funeral services will be held, one in Arlington Heights (June 13, 11:00 a.m. at Faith Lutheran Church) and the second in Streator, Illinois (June 15, 11:00 a.m). Visitation information and additional details can be found at www.solontelford.com .

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to: Dr. Edna Bazik Endowed Mathematics Teaching Scholarship at Illinois State University (www.giving.illinoisstate.edu); Faith Lutheran Church (Arlington Heights, IL); or Holy Trinity Lutheran Church (Streator, IL).