In Loving Memory of Annie Kate Nyquist (nee Dunleavy)
Annie Kate Nyquist, a beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family in her 86th year on October 5, 2023, in Amarillo, TX.
Annie was born in Doobeha, Moygownagh, County Mayo, Ireland on March 6, 1937. She was the seventh of eight children to Michael and Margaret (Maggie) Dunleavy. She lived many years with her Aunt Ann Farrell (who she resembled) in Ballybrooney.
After graduating from Gortnor Abbey in Ballina, she emigrated to the United States in October 1955, sponsored by her Aunt Sarah and Uncle Joe, joining her sister Margaret. She worked as an IBM key punch operator in the early days of computing. Annie also played camogie as part of a team in Chicago.
She met her future husband, Richard, that same year at the Aragon Ballroom and they married in 1960. She loved his blue eyes, smile, and often told him “he’s a good dancer” (in Irish). Annie loved her many Nyquist in-laws. She raised her family in Itasca, IL and eventually joined her husband’s business, taking it over after his death. In 2015, she moved to Amarillo, TX.
She waited decades to become a US citizen, due to her great love of—and loyalty to—Ireland. She loved politics and exercised her right to vote as an American. Besides politics, she loved being outside, exercising, gardening, tennis, and golfing. She hosted many holiday parties with family and friends. She had a mischievous sense of humor, loved by her family and friends.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Richard; sisters Mary, Bridie, Margaret; brothers John, Michael, and Patrick (PJ); and grandsons Bryson and Joey.
She is survived by her children Aimee (Michael) Groshans, Jill (Bobby LaMantia) Chandler, and John (Laura) Nyquist. Grandchildren Evan (Rachel), Alice (Dallas), Richard, and Sean; great-grandchildren Ryley and Lucy, her sister Josie (Steve) Venci, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews both in America and Ireland.
Annie’s wishes were to forgo a funeral service and to be remembered as she was.
To send flowers to the family in memory of Annie Kate Nyquist (Nee Dunleavy), please visit our
flower store.