Mary-Aileen Rikardsen

Mary-Aileen Rikardsen, 66, of Fox River Grove, recently of Daytona Beach, FL, passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, surrounded by the love of her family. She was born on February 3, 1959, in Chicago to the late Richard and Rosemary Blohm (Pieroni).

A proud graduate of George Williams College and then Purdue University, Mary-Aileen earned her master’s degree in exercise physiology. Her early career took her across the seas as a hostess and fitness instructor with Norwegian Cruise Lines from 1981 to 1984, an experience that sparked her lifelong love of travel and, most importantly, introduced her to her future husband, Yngvar. The two were married on April 11, 1987, at St. Edna’s Church in Arlington Heights. Together they built a beautiful life, celebrating 38 years of marriage and raising their family in Fox River Grove.

Mary-Aileen taught part-time at Harper College and Triton College. After welcoming her children, she chose a path that allowed her to pursue her love for sewing and remain close to them: she founded Stitchworks, a designer drapery business that showcased her remarkable creativity, talent, and attention to detail. Through her work, she brought beauty and comfort into countless homes and businesses.

Mary-Aileen approached life with a spirit of adventure and a joyful heart. She loved traveling, especially trips to Norway, boating, and cruising. At home, she was endlessly handy, always taking on new projects side-by-side with her husband. She brought people together effortlessly, hosting gatherings filled with laughter, warmth, and exceptional food. Bears games in the Rikardsen home were legendary, not for the score, but for the sense of togetherness she created.

Above all, Mary-Aileen cherished her family and friends. Her generosity, enthusiasm, and loving presence enriched the lives of everyone lucky enough to know her.

In addition to her loving husband; she is survived by her sons, Lars (Allyson Nyhoff) Rikardsen and Kai Rikardsen; grandchildren, Riley and Rhett Rikardsen; her brothers, Ronald (Beatrice) Blohm and Gerald (Suzanne) Blohm; and by many loving nieces, nephews and friends.

Visitation will be Sunday, November 30, 2025 from 11 AM until the funeral service at 2 PM at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 941 S. Old Rand Rd., Lake Zurich, IL 60047. Interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital  or The Lustgarten Foundation for Pancreatic Cancer Research