Rolling Meadows teacher, coach dies after two-year cancer fight

The Rolling Meadows High School community is mourning the loss of a beloved teacher, Lindsay Habinak, who died on Thursday after a two-year battle with cancer.

Habinak, 35, had worked at Rolling Meadows for nine years teaching English Literature classes and coaching girl's tennis. She grew up in the Chicago suburbs and was a 1994 graduate of Deerfield High School.

Northwest Suburban High School District 214 officials sent an email confirming Habinak's passing to parents on Thursday afternoon and Rolling Meadows Principal Eileen Hart said that almost immediately positive stories about Habinak began pouring in from students, staff and alumni.

Hart said the school will be collecting these messages and memories to give to her family.

“She was treasured as a person and as a professional,” Hart said. “We'll miss her.”

Because of the three-day weekend, District 214 passed along several community resources that are available if students need grief counseling over the weekend including the Kenneth Young Center, Alexian Brothers and Bridge Youth and Family Services. Student services will be available for staff and students on Monday if needed.

“She was very beloved; this is a huge loss,” said Mary Luckritz, English and Fine Arts department head at the high school. “She was great — she was a wonderful teacher and shared her love of literature with everyone.”

Luckritz added that Habinak was a strong woman who was always smiling, no matter what.

Habinak's name will be added to the Rolling Meadows memorial garden that honors students and staff who have died.

In October 2011, Habinak was nominated for the University of Chicago's prestigious Outstanding Educator Award. The annual award accepts nominees from University of Chicago freshmen for an educator who has changed them, challenged them, or helped them along the path toward intellectual growth

Funeral services have not yet been announced.