It is with deep sadness that we write of the passing of Betty Jean Bartell, age 81, of Chicago, IL and more recently of Bradenton, FL, on July 31, 2023. Even in our grief, we rejoice that she is fully alive and with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Betty was the beloved wife of the late Fred Bartell, Jr., devoted mother of Debbie Valentino, Joe (Kathi) Valentino, the late Lynda (Bob) Jurewicz, Cyndi Valentino, Cheryl Bartell, and Janice (Ken) Jurasz, cherished grandmother of Megan (Michael) Grant, Michael Wyers, Nikki (Stuart) Uram, Susie (Jason) Selim, Desirie Valentino, Jenna (Brian) Barnett, Bobby Jurewicz, Kayla Jurewicz, Caitlyn Lamantia, Antonio Lamantia, Brianna Lamantia, Giana Lamantia, Brittany Jurasz, Courtney (Ryan) Mazurkiewicz, Hailey Jurasz, and KJ Jurasz, and loving great-grandmother of Mya Grant, Hayden Grant, Sophia Selim, Peyton Selim, Lillianna Hunter, and Avery Uram.
Betty was born in Chicago, IL on August 21, 1941, to Frank and Amanda (Weaver) Smith. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fred, daughter Lynda, former son-in-law John Lamantia, brother Frank Smith, Jr., and sister Rose Marie Orsini. In addition to her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, Betty is survived by sisters Dorothy Cruz of Chicago, IL, Alice Thomas of Joliet, IL, and Mary Farris of Homosassa, FL, as well as many nieces, nephews, and extended family.
After many years managing a busy household and raising six children, Betty served compassionately as a CNA at Norridge Nursing Home in Norridge, IL. She was a warm, gracious woman with a cheerful heart and a joyful spirit, welcoming and friendly to everyone she met. She was kind, generous, and thoughtful, and made others feel seen and genuinely cared for. She had a strong faith in God, incredible patience, and the sincerest ability to forgive. She enjoyed reading, cooking, decorating for all the holidays, and a little something sweet with her morning tea, but spending time with her family was her greatest joy.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, September 3, 2023, at 2:00 PM, at Forest Preserve Bible Church, 7430 W. Forest Preserve Ave., Chicago, IL 60634, with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial donation to the ministry of Forest Preserve Bible Church (www.fpbc.info/give), or to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org), a charitable organization that was very meaningful to Betty.
5 Comments
Anonymous
I’m so sorry to hear of her passing. She was such a wonderful lady and she will be greatly missed.
Julie Suwalski
Anonymous
Betty was a fantastic lady who always had a smile for everyone, treated all that she met as if they were part of the family, and protected her family with everything she had! She never forgot a birthday, an Anniversary, or anything special that a family member was experiencing. She loved a good party, family getting together for whatever, whether a graduation, a birthday, a promotion at work, anything that brought the family together.
And on top of it all, Betty was a wonderful Mother-in-law, treating me like a son and so proud to call me her son-in-law! I’ll miss you Betty, but I know you’re no longer in pain and you now get to see your husband Fred, your sister Rose, and your daughter, my wife, Lynda.
Good bless you!
Anonymous
Betty was a fantastic lady who always had a smile for everyone, treated all that she met as if they were part of the family, and protected her family with everything she had! She never forgot a birthday, an Anniversary, or anything special that a family member was experiencing. She loved a good party, family getting together for whatever, whether a graduation, a birthday, a promotion at work, anything that brought the family together.
And on top of it all, Betty was a wonderful Mother-in-law, treating me like a son and so proud to call me her son-in-law! I’ll miss you Betty, but I know you’re no longer in pain and you now get to see your husband Fred, your sister Rose, and your daughter, my wife, Lynda.
Good bless you!
Bob Jurewicz
Tammy Stockbridge
I had the genuine pleasure of knowing Miss Betty most of my life. I will always remember her as a kind mamma, and a hilarious spider killer. (A video that still makes me laugh). She raised some truly wonderful children, and that is probably the greatest legacy any mother can leave behind. I know in my heart she is with Fred and Lynda now and that has to make her happy. R.I.P.Miss Betty, you will be missed.
Janice
Mom I will miss you for the rest of my days on this earth. I was so blessed to have you as my mother. Thank you for loving me and believing in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. Your absence leaves a huge whole in my heart, you were my girl. I know we’ll be together again. I’ll see you when I get there. Love Jan