Betty Lou Blair

Betty Blair (98) died peacefully in her sleep on September 5, 2020, at Clare Oaks retirement community in Bartlett, IL. Betty grew up in Chicago on Agatite Avenue. She met Bob, her future husband, in grade school and the two remained sweethearts through their 66 years of marriage before he passed away. Betty was a beautician until they moved to Itasca, IL and started a family. Betty was a very active member of the Itasca Garden Club and loved tending her garden and flower arranging. She was a talented seamstress, knitter, quilter - and she will be fondly remembered for many afghans, sweaters, caps and blankets that she lovingly made to keep family and friends warm and cozy. She was also referred to as the Grande Dame of a group they called the ‘Happy Hookers’ - her bunch of girlfriends whom she taught how to knit and pearl - and laugh and kibbitz. Betty and Bob moved to Huntley, IL when Bob retired. There they were active members of the Congregational Church of Algonquin and the greatest of neighbors. Betty had a weekly coffee klatch with friends - where problems of the world were all solved. Betty was a depression-era Mom - who taught her family never to waste - especially our dinner because others were starving. She taught us resourcefulness and mostly mental toughness. She ruled with an oak yardstick - was known to say “I’ll give you something to cry about” but loved with a big open heart - hugging you so tight you thought you’d burst. She was a giver, and preferred actions that expressed love and appreciation over words. And she had a sunny disposition, but could get salty on occasion. She will be missed. The family is grateful for the caring associates at Clare Oaks who made sure Betty always had bright red fingernails, her favorite milkshake, and a warm smile to greet her everyday. Predeceased by her parents Lester Wise and Mabel (Bond), Wife of Robert John Blair (who preceded her in death) from Huntley, IL. Betty is survived by her children, Bob Jr. (Patricia), Rick, and Janet Valentic (Jack); her grandchildren, Erin Long, Megan Hunter (Shawn), Benjamin Blair (Lia), Paige Blair, Kyle Valentic (Meta), Leslie Adams (Jamie); her great-grandchildren, Blair and Zoey Long, Max, Leo and Scarlett Hunter, Arlo and Luca Blair, Malia Valentic, Madison and Savannah Adams. Betty will be interred next to Bob at Eden Memorial Park, Schiller Park, IL.

Betty Lou Blair

January 18, 1922 - September 5, 2020