Betty Van Baerle Obituary

Van Baerle, Betty (Donnan) Private services have been held for Betty Van Baerle of Chicago, IL. Betty died January 21, 2013 at her home. She was born August 14, 1922 in Geneva, Illinois and was raised in Wheaton, IL by her parents, William and Lorena Donnan with her two older brothers Robert and James. Betty graduated from Cornell College in Mt. Vernon, IA in 1945 and then worked in the fashion industry. She had a life-long love of fashion and was always "dressed up". She met Edward Van Baerle on a blind date and they married in 1949. Ed was a self-employed commercial photographer and entrepreneur and Betty was always involved in some aspect of his business. She made the basis of his food shoots in her home kitchen. She kept books, hired help, and negotiated services. Betty was the heart of her family. Her favorite times were dedicated to raising their children. She enjoyed going to Cubs games as well as any other type of live entertainment including opera, dance, musicals, comedies, and her only rock concert Rod Stewart in Rosemont circa 2005. Betty is survived by her daughters, Julie and Susan; her son Neal; her grandson Jeremy; her son-in-law, Robin and her two sisters-in-law and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her oldest son, Kirk and her husband, Ed. There will be a memorial for Betty on Monday, March 18. Betty always wanted to make a difference to children. Donations in her name can be made to Lurie Children's Hospital. http://www.luriechildrens.org/en-us/ways-to-get-involved/donations/Pages/summary.aspx