Nicole Weldzius Obituary, Death – The Barrington 220 School District is in mourning following the tragic passing of Nicole Weldzius, a beloved STEM teacher at North Barrington Elementary School. Nicole, known for her dedication, passion, and infectious enthusiasm for teaching, passed away on May 21, 2025, at the age of 42. She leaves behind a legacy of educational innovation, inspiration, and a lasting impact on the thousands of students, colleagues, and communities she touched during her career.
Nicole’s influence was felt far beyond the classroom, where she served as a visionary leader in STEM education. As a key architect of Barrington 220’s nationally recognized elementary STEM program, Nicole was instrumental in shaping the district’s forward-thinking curriculum, which exposed students to the fundamentals of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics from an early age. Nicole’s unique approach to teaching focused not only on academic excellence but also on nurturing creativity, critical thinking, and collaboration—skills that would empower her students to excel in an ever-evolving world.
A Trailblazer in STEM Education
Nicole’s passion for STEM education was evident in every lesson she taught. From kindergarten through fifth grade, she guided her students through a carefully structured sequence of activities designed to foster their curiosity and problem-solving skills. Her approach was deeply rooted in the principles of design thinking, robotics, and civic innovation. Nicole helped her students develop hands-on skills in engineering, introduced them to cutting-edge technologies, and encouraged them to think of themselves as future innovators and global collaborators.
In addition to her role as a classroom teacher, Nicole was deeply involved in the development of Barrington 220’s STEM labs, which were made possible through a $147 million referendum passed in 2020. These labs, which continue to serve thousands of students across the district, stand as a testament to Nicole’s foresight and unwavering commitment to providing a world-class education that prepares students for the challenges of the future.
Her contributions extended beyond the walls of North Barrington Elementary, as Nicole was also an active leader in the broader education community. She was a mentor to many younger teachers, providing guidance and support in both their professional and personal lives. Colleagues remember her for her warmth, her generosity of spirit, and her belief in the potential of every child, no matter their background or circumstances.
A Champion for Educational Equity
Nicole’s dedication to education was not confined to her work at North Barrington Elementary. She was deeply committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their learning challenges, had access to the resources they needed to succeed. This commitment extended to her work with The Cove School, where she served as the Young Professionals for Cove (YPC) Chair during the annual benefit gala.
Under her leadership, the 2019 “Be The Spark” event raised over $630,000, a reflection of Nicole’s unwavering belief in the importance of supporting students with learning disabilities. Her work with Cove School, an institution dedicated to providing specialized education for children with learning differences, showcased her advocacy for educational equity and her commitment to making a difference in the lives of students who needed it most.
A Loving Family Member and Friend
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nicole was a cherished daughter, sister, and aunt. She is survived by her parents, Thomas and Elaine Weldzius, of Lake Zurich, her sister, Emily Weldzius of Chicago, and her nephew, Lucas Weldzius. Nicole’s family remembers her not only for her professional success but for the love, joy, and light she brought to their lives. She had a special bond with her nephew, and her family described her as a caring, devoted sister and daughter whose presence will be deeply missed.
Nicole’s life was defined by her warmth, kindness, and unwavering commitment to making the world a better place. She inspired countless students to reach for the stars, encouraged colleagues to find their own path, and played an instrumental role in building a community centered on collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity.
The Impact of Nicole Weldzius Will Live On
The Barrington community has lost a passionate advocate for education, a leader in STEM, and a truly exceptional teacher. Nicole Weldzius’s work will continue to shape the minds of young students for years to come. Her innovative contributions to the Barrington 220 School District will leave an indelible mark on the district’s educational landscape, and her impact will be felt by generations of students who were fortunate to be taught by her.
Nicole’s passing is a tremendous loss to the educational community, but her legacy lives on through the thousands of students whose lives she touched, the colleagues she mentored, and the community she served. Her passion, kindness, and dedication will continue to inspire and uplift those who knew her.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by the family in the coming days. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in Nicole’s memory to Barrington 220’s STEM program or a local educational initiative.