Chandra Hayes Sikkema

Our beloved Chandra Hayes Sikkema valiantly passed from this mortal existence on December 1, 2024, after a nearly four-year battle with ovarian cancer. Chandra was born on June 23, 1987, to Craig and Charlotte (Charlie) Tague Hayes in Bountiful, Utah. Chandra lived and traveled with her parents to early adulthood and was educated in Utah, Texas, Oklahoma, and Alaska. Returning to Utah in 2003, she graduated from Bountiful High School in 2005 and started attending the University of Utah. Chandra was always a straight-A student and had a deep love for music. Some of her most cherished experiences included playing the piccolo flute for the U of U Marching Band with her best friend, Kalli. Her passion for music was a source of joy and connection for those around her. This was best represented by her participation in the marching band at the Armed Forces Bowl, Poinsettia Bowl, Sugar Bowl, and Las Vegas Bowl for the U of U Football Program. 

Chandra's academic journey was a testament to her dedication and intelligence. She excelled in human anatomy and physiology, creating a personalized curriculum to complete the first bachelor's degree in Human Anatomy and Physiology awarded at the University of Utah. Within this program, Chandra worked as a T.A. for Professor Mark Neilsen's renowned anatomy courses, guiding students to develop effective study habits and optimize their ability to absorb large amounts of new information. Her finely honed dissection skills were put to use in research projects on the evolution of muscle physiology within the Biology Department, showcasing her commitment to learning and discovery. 

Chandra completed a second bachelor's degree in Medical Laboratory Sciences at the University of Utah. Upon completing this degree, she entered a career in the medical sciences, working at Associated Regional and University Pathologists (ARUP), the Huntsman Cancer Institute Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic, and as an educator in the U of U Medical Laboratory Sciences program. Most rewarding for her was working with patients requiring bone marrow transplants. She felt empowered to help others through their most difficult challenges while facing cancer and recovering from treatments, even as she was battling ovarian cancer. 

Further, Chandra was a Renaissance woman and a DIY-minded person. Taking after her father and mother, Chandra developed an impressive catalog of talents. She played numerous musical instruments, spun wool, knitted, crocheted, quilted, sewed, painted, and was an exceptional baker. Even in light of planning her wedding and reception, Chandra insisted on baking and decorating her own wedding cake and knitting the flowers of her wedding bouquet, which (of course) were perfect and the talk of her wedding. In later years, Chandra became fascinated with digital design and started two online companies selling fabricated pillows, fabric designs, hoop art, and paintings. Her home remains furnished with various craft projects she completed with her mother and daughter. 

Chandra's life was a testament to her selflessness and compassion. She was a generous and kind woman who was dedicated to serving others. Her roles as Relief Society President and active engagement in the Young Women's program were just a few examples of her dedication to service. She graciously and attentively assisted in the home hospice care of her mother-in-law, Gabriele, when she came to the end of her battle with cancer. When tragedy befell her sister-in-law's family, Chandra instinctively knew she needed to fly to Arkansas to help their family recover from the loss of their daughter, Zoey. Chandra's willingness to chip in and be a shoulder to cry on when others faced tragedy was a source of inspiration for all who knew her.

While at the University of Utah, Chandra met the love of her life, Elzard Hendrik Sikkema. They were married in the Salt Lake City Temple on October 9, 2014. During their 10 years of marriage, Chandra most enjoyed their road trips to the various natural beauties of the world. Her favorite trips included a month spent on the southern and western coast of Ireland in Kinsale, Dunquin, and Ennistymon and hiking and kayaking Glacier National Park in Montana.

Chandra is survived by her husband, Elzard, and two children, Matilda and Omri; her parents, Craig and Charlie; a sister, Carrie Kyrouac; a brother-in-law, Kevin Kyrouac, and a brother, Cameron (Jennifer) Hayes; four nieces, and five nephews, Katie Sikkema Hopps (Josh), and her father-in-law, Elzard A. Sikkema. She was preceded in death by her nieces, Ellery Johnson and Zoey Hopps, and her mother-in-law, Gabriele Sikkema. 

Chandra's family would like to thank the Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health, and the clinic of Dr. Teresa Werner for their service to Chandra during these challenging years of her life. Thank you to Kalli and Jen for the hours spent at Huntsman during numerous chemotherapy infusions. Thank you to Quinn for your help with Chandra's home health care. Thank you to all those who donated time, meals, and money as they lovingly served Chandra and her family. As per Chandra's wishes, there will not be a viewing or formal funeral. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date.