Linda Carolina Nowak Lycka

Born in Rosenberg, Texas on January 29, 1949, Linda was the daughter of Steven D. Nowak and Leona Katherine Ohnheiser Nowak. She graduated from Lamar Consolidated High School and married the love of her life, Tom Lycka, on February 24, 1968. They were happily married for 57 wonderful years.

Linda built a remarkable 49-year career with State Farm Insurance, retiring in 2017. She held numerous roles, breaking barriers as one of the company’s first female adjusters. She also found great success in fashion retail as a National Sales Leader for Go to Pieces, where she earned multiple awards for sales excellence. In retirement, Linda brought her style, warmth, and expertise to her daughter’s boutiques, continuing to help others feel their best, something she did with joy and grace.

Family was Linda’s greatest pride and joy. She poured her heart into her grandchildren—Hannah, Hudson, and Harper—who lovingly knew her as “Lili.” She was an exceptional cook and baker, always perfecting recipes and bringing loved ones together over meals. She found peace in nature, enjoying scenic drives to see Texas wildflowers, long days of fishing, and camping in the woods. Linda cherished the joys of travel—whether it was weekend drives to Austin to cheer on her Longhorns, annual trips to Galveston with her grandchildren and international adventures to places like Mexico, The Grand Cayman, Paris, Great Britian, and Austria.

A passionate sports fan, Linda’s love for the Texas Longhorns was unmatched—she proudly held season tickets and rarely missed a home game in 34 years. She also had a deep affection for animals, especially cats. Linda was deeply committed to her daily walks before work, often logging 3 to 4 miles each day. Her love of music spanned generations, from oldies to whatever her grandchildren were listening to—and wherever there was music, there was dancing. In fact, it was on a dance floor 58 years ago that she first met her beloved husband, Tom, at a local dance hall—a moment that marked the beginning of a beautiful life together.

Linda’s faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devout Catholic, she was a proud member of the Catholic Daughters of America Court #2211, sang in her church choir, and served as a Church Lector and Eucharistic Minister.

She is preceded in death by her parents Steven and Leona Nowak, her brother Chester Nowak, in-laws Robert and Adele Lycka, sister-in-law Frances Lycka, and best friends Carol Zahradnik and Edith Hartensteiner.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband and best friend, Thomas Edward Lycka; her beloved daughter Shannon Leigh Jud and husband Thomas Peter Jud; her treasured grandchildren Hannah Katherine Jud, Robert Hudson Jud, and Harper Noelle Jud. She is also survived by her siblings Mark Nowak (Patricia), Steven A. Nowak, and Michelle Nowak; her in-laws Charles J. Lycka, Bob and Nelda Lycka, and Jennie Lycka; as well as her many nieces, nephews, extended family members, friends, co-workers and cherished former colleagues.

A visitation is scheduled for Tuesday, April 22, 2025, at 12:00 PM, followed by a Rosary at 12:30 PM and a service at 1:00 PM. A reception will follow. All events will take place at St. Monica’s Catholic Church, 9933 Midway Road, Dallas, Texas 75220.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Linda’s memory to the Humane Society of Dallas County: https://dognkittycity.charityproud.org/Donate

The family wishes to thank their amazing community of friends and neighbors for their unwavering love and support, as well as the dedicated teams at UT Southwestern Oncology, Hospice Plus, and Heaven at Home for their compassionate care. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.calvaryhilldallas.com for the Lycka family.