Lynnette Gaza

Lynnette "Swannie" Gaza was born in Sydney, Australia, to Minnie and Joseph. She attended Fort St. Girls High School, leaving at age 15 but successfully passing the entrance exam to enroll in nursing school at the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. She graduated as Valedictorian in December 1964. In the 1960s, Lynnette relocated to London, where she served as a Private Nurse at King Edward VII Hospital, caring for prominent figures including the Prime Minister and members of the Royal Family.

Her journey continued in Hong Kong, where she diversified her career as a medical secretary and a barmaid, eventually becoming the Sales and Marketing Manager for eight semiconductor and printed circuit board factories. It was during this time that she met James Gaza, an engineer running International Components Corporation. They married in Tokyo, where Lynnette studied Japanese language and calligraphy.

Settling in Chicago, she made a significant impact in the Chicago Public Schools, publishing yearbooks, teaching Great Books courses, and coaching Academic Bowl teams to nine city championships. Lynnette graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in pre-med from Loyola University Chicago and became a member of the Jesuit Honor Society.

A passionate traveler, Lynnette visited over 80 countries and immersed herself in various cultures. She was also a Master Swimmer, competing in the World Games in Montreal, and engaged in the arts through voiceovers and theater performances. Lynnette served as President of the International Women Associates from 2005 to 2007 and contributed to the Chicago Architecture Foundation and the Chicago Hearing Society.

Lynnette passed away on August 14, 2023, leaving behind her children, Michelle and Jonathan; daughter-in-law Kristine; grandchildren Malakai and Janaia; and a wide network of friends and family across the globe.