Funeral Details

Deborah Byczkowski, 37, passed away unexpectedly on June 22, 2026 . Though her life was cut far too short, the love, joy, and light she shared continue to live on in the countless lives she touched.

A proud Chicago native, Deborah dedicated her life to dance—not simply as an art form, but as a way of building confidence, connection, and community. She earned her bachelor's degree in Dance Pedagogy from Columbia College Chicago and went on to teach at dance studios throughout the city, as well as in Chicago Public Schools, where she inspired countless young dancers with her warmth, creativity, and unwavering belief in their potential.

In 2017, Deborah founded VOLTA Performing Arts in Logan Square, pouring her heart, sweat, strength, and boundless imagination into creating something far greater than a dance studio. Through what many lovingly called "Miss Dee Magic," she built a home where dancers of every age, identity, body, and experience level were welcomed exactly as they were. Deborah believed that every body is a dance body. She empowered her students to express themselves authentically, embrace body positivity, and discover joy in movement while emphasizing healthy, injury-free dance practices rooted in anatomy, kinesiology, and physics.

Her generosity extended well beyond her own students. Deborah opened VOLTA's doors to Chicago's artistic community by offering affordable rehearsal and performance space to independent artists, teachers, and creators developing new work. She believed that art flourishes when people support one another, and she lived that belief every day.

A lifelong student herself, Deborah was always learning, exploring, and refining her craft. She embraced new adventures with infectious enthusiasm—from aerial silks to fire spinning, hula hooping, and countless other creative pursuits. She participated in beloved Chicago traditions, including LUMA8's Arts in the Dark Parade since its inception, the Logan Square Arts Festival, Daybreaker gatherings, and Full Moon Jams. To Deborah, the world was her dance floor.

She was filled with hope, mischievous fun, and was so selfless. She found wonder in life's smallest moments. She delighted in bubbles, glitter, sidewalk chalk, giant beach balls, music festivals, bicycles, scooters, and long hugs. She loved traveling to Brazil to spend time with family, documenting life through home videos, collecting meaningful keepsakes, trying new experiences, savoring oysters, and expressing herself through vibrant hair, makeup, jewelry, and clothing. She had an irrepressibly playful spirit, known for giving unforgettable hugs, and bringing laughter into every room she entered. You knew she really liked you if she licked you.

Deborah was deeply proud to be a member of the queer community and cherished building meaningful relationships with her partners. She had a rare gift for making people feel seen, accepted, and celebrated. She encouraged everyone she met to live unapologetically as themselves, always searching for the good in others and reminding them that they were worthy exactly as they were.

She was a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, teacher, mentor, role model, and friend. Her light reached far beyond the dance studio and lives on in every student she encouraged, every artist she supported, every tradition she began, and every person she inspired to dance like nobody was watching.

Deborah is survived by her loving parents, Vania Bandelli and Andre Byczkowski; her sister, Clara Byczkowski; her brother-in-law, Michael Podgurski; and her newborn niece, Isadora Byczkowski Podgurski, whose arrival brought her immeasurable joy. In the two days before her unexpected passing, Deborah’s company was treasured with her sister, brother-in-law, and new for this world niece, and savoring the transition from spring to summer together. She also leaves behind an extraordinary chosen family, countless beloved friends, devoted students, and the vibrant community she created through VOLTA Performing Arts.

Though her time was far too short, Deborah filled it with extraordinary love, joy, creativity, and compassion. Her legacy lives on in every person she empowered to take up space, move freely, love themselves fully, and find magic in the simple act of dancing.

Celebration of Life will be Saturday July 11, 2026 starting at 11AM at Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 3918 W. Irving Park Rd., Chicago.

In lieu of flowers, the family will announce where memorial contributions may be made to at a later date.

To attend the funeral live stream, please visit our website. Arrangements by Midtown Funeral Home and Cremation Options, 773.654.3744, www.midtownfunerals.com

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