Nichola "Nicki" Louise Blowers

Nichola “Nicki” Louise Blowers, nee Todorovich, passed away peacefully on November 26, 2025. At just 63, a life so full of love and generosity ended too soon. Born on April 1, 1962, Nicki was born and raised in Joliet, Illinois. She lovingly stepped into caretaker role for her two younger siblings after their parents passed, dedicating her young adult years to supporting her family while simultaneously completing her education. Nicki received her Bachelor of Arts from Illinois State University and ultimately received her Masters of Fine Arts from Roosevelt University in Directing. For the next 36 years, Nicki poured her energy and creativity into Joliet Junior College, taking on roles from directing and makeup to set building, house management, and teaching. Most meaningful to her, though, was the opportunity to support and care for the students and community members that came across her office as a safe place, looking for belonging and guidance.

Service was woven into every part of her life. For many years, she shared her time and talents at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet, volunteering on committees, singing, and taking on various service roles at Mass. A devoted member of the Slovenian Union of America (SUA), she was named Woman of the Year in 2010 in recognition of her dedication and community involvement. She also found purpose and friendship at the Moose Lodge, where she continued her quiet acts of kindness. She was generous with both her time and her kindness and always volunteered to help those who needed it.

Post-retirement, Nicki joined the Board of Directors at the Curtain Call Theatre in Mokena, where she joyfully returned to her passion for theater; directing and assistance with all technical aspects of a production. She also embraced the chance to revisit her roots in acting, allowing her loved ones to watch her light up the stage once again, for the first time in many years.

She loved laughing and trading jokes with her dearest friends, whom she made sure to get together with regularly. For all the love and care she poured into her friendships, they returned it to her wholeheartedly. They stood by her just as she stood by them.

While Nicki devoted so much of her life to helping others, her greatest joy came from making memories with her family; spending time with them, loving them wholeheartedly, and supporting them in every way she could. Although she lost her beloved husband of 26 years in 2014, Nicki continued to find joy in life. She honored his memory by maintaining her belief in the goodness of life and humanity, and by cultivating a strong and caring community around her.

She was a wonderful sister, always making sure her siblings felt included in both daily life and special occasions. Throughout his life, she always looked out for her brother who also endlessly and unremittingly looked out for her and her children. She cherished the time she spent laughing and wandering through life with her closest companion, her sister, before her passing in 2016. Nicki was a strong and supportive mother to her two daughters, whom she often said were her greatest joys. She was endlessly proud of them, just as they were endlessly proud of her. While she dedicated her life to her community, she devoted even more of herself to her children, who spent nearly every moment of their childhood by her side and continued being a constant presence and source of support into their adulthood. She protected them, opened doors to new experiences, and made certain she was always there when they needed her, even when it meant they were learning how to navigate life together.

Her newest and deepest love came in the form of her granddaughter, now three years old, with whom she shared cherished one-on-one time several days a week. Watching the two of them together brought infectious joy to everyone around them, and it was clear they shared an unmistakably special bond.

The family would like to thank Lightways Hospice for their unwavering, kind, and supportive care.

Nicki is preceded in death by her parents, Dorothy Todorovich, nee Jonish, and Richard Todorovich Sr.; numerous aunts and uncles, particularly Joseph Jonish with whom she shared a special bond; sister Nancy Ferencik, nee Todorovich; and her husband Edmund R Blowers.

Nicki is survived by her brother, Richard “Dan” Todorovich Jr; her daughters Amanda (Matthew) Zarobsky, nee Blowers, and Sarah Blowers; her granddaughter Dorothy Zarobsky; her brother-in-law Mark Ferencik; and her niece Lauren Ferencik.

In lieu of flowers, the family request memorial contributions be made to the Nicki Blowers Todorovich endowed scholarship at Joliet Junior College. Click here to contribute in her honor.

A celebration of Nicki’s life will be held on Friday, December 5, 2025, with prayers in the funeral home chapel at 9:20 a.m. then driving in procession to St. Joseph Catholic Church in Joliet for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 10:00 a.m. Per Nicki’s wishes cremation rites will be accorded following mass and interment will be held privately at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at Tezak Funeral Home, 1211 Plainfield Road, Joliet from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.