Chelsea Roo Faro Dolinar-Hikawa passed away unexpectedly on March 12, 2026, in Chicago, Illinois as the result of a stroke. Chelsea was born to Sunnie Hikawa and John Dolinar on July 4, 1974 and was always convinced that the fireworks were in her honor. She was a member of the class of 1992 at Francis W. Parker school, the alma mater of her mother and aunts. She later graduated from Vassar College and received a Masters in Vocal Performance from Roosevelt University. 

Chelsea’s love of music and performance permeated her life. She was an effusive and vibrant artist who was universally beloved by all who knew her. She shared her joy by directing the Christ Church of Chicago and the Francis Parker Encore choirs. Chelsea was also a member of the C21 Women’s Ensemble and performed in many operas, operettas, musicals, theater productions, and choirs throughout the Chicagoland area, the greater United States, and internationally.

Chelsea’s greatest love and pride was her family. She was devoted to her husband Nick and their three children, Atreyu (13), Anoki (10) and Suniya (4) who share her same musical proclivities. She was looking forward to seeing Atreyu perform the lead in his musical, Anoki continuing his steel drum mastery, and Suniya joining her brothers at Parker in the fall. She was surrounded by a loving family, which included her parents Sunnie Hikawa (Randolph Tressler) and John Dolinar (Sarah Dolinar), her sister Courtney Dolinar-Hikawa, and her half-siblings Susannah and Johnny Dolinar. She is also remembered by her loving aunts, Chris Hikawa (David Windreich), Dale Hikawa Silverman (Scott Silverman), Sharyn Park (Bill Park), and her cousins Bailey Hikawa and Skyler Silverman, Nicole and Rachel Windreich, and Jayme Miller and Colin Park. 

Chelsea prioritized family in the broadest sense of the word. She and Nick had a love that exemplified respect and devotion. The depth of their relationship and continued growth over more than 25 years together manifested in their daily acts of affection and care as well as through the loving family and circles of friends that they created together.  

Chelsea had a passion for travel and spoke five languages. She recently added Elvish for a planned The Lord of the Rings movie live in concert, for which she was honored to be selected as soprano section leader. She made friends all over the world and maintained friendships across time zones. Her generosity of spirit pulled people together, and her home was the epicenter of all social gatherings where strangers and friends alike were welcomed. There, Chelsea ruled the roost, exhorting people to play parlor games, especially the perennial favorite Celebrity. There was always food, laughter, love, and music where jam sessions would last into the wee hours of the morning. Many nights ended around the table sharing stories and intimate moments of support and friendship. The community she fostered will continue to honor her memory. The recipients of her donated organs are sure to receive a spark of her spirit, and their lives will be luckier for it.  

Chelsea was effervescent, magnanimous, selfless, and a light to everyone who knew her. She was always singing, but to her friends and family, she was music itself. 💕

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