Betty Jean Hamlyn

Betty Jean Hamlyn (Pombert), 81, a loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away May 16, 2023. It is bittersweet to share that she passed away in Minocqua, WI, a place that was truly her heaven on earth. Surviving are her devoted husband of 63 years, Vernon (Swede) Hamlyn of Bourbonnais; son, Bryan (Pam) Hamlyn of Grant Park; daughters, Beth Ann (Bert) Seither of Clearwater, FL, Kathy (Jerry) Yonke of Bourbonnais; grandchildren, Jessica (Derek) Jaenicke, Joshua (Dominique) Yonke, Bryce Seither and Brett Seither; great grandchildren, Maddox and Hadley Jaenicke; sisters, Patricia Baldwin of Bedford, IN and Judy Brown of Bourbonnais; and many other cherished family members. Her family finds peace in knowing she is reunited in Heaven with her parents; in-laws; extended family; and beloved sister, Nora. Betty was born in 1941 in Kankakee, where she was a graduate of St. Pat’s Catholic High School. Shortly after, she married the love of her life and began raising her family on the Hamlyn Farm in Bourbonnais. In addition to raising three children, Betty was always involved in numerous organizations and activities. She took it upon herself to ensure her children were involved in anything and everything while she volunteered alongside them. She spent countless hours working as a Girl Scout leader, classroom mother, visual art assistant, and with the Bourbonnais Historical Society and Friendship Festival. As her children got older, Betty began working at LeVasseur School in 1979. She initially started in the lunch program, and her own children enjoyed the many perks of this new job! After four years, she became an office clerk and remained in this role until her retirement in 2007. Working at the school gave her many enjoyable experiences and memories. Among her favorites was the opportunity to watch two of her grandchildren go through the school. Her big smile and kind heart brought comfort to many children throughout her years there. Betty was an active member in her church, Maternity BVM, and was honored to be named “Woman of the Year” by the Council of Catholic Women when she served on the board’s organization. While recent illnesses interfered with her attending church from her favorite pew at MBVM, she enjoyed watching streamed mass with her daughter, Kathy. Family was always her number one priority, and you could often find her supporting her children and grandchildren – near or far. She attended every sporting event, whether it was toddler t-ball in Bourbonnais or a Georgia Bulldogs football game in Athens. She enjoyed shopping for a bargain with her daughters and granddaughter, cuddling with all her grand dogs, had a wonderful green thumb and the most beautiful garden, loved to swim, travel, read, eat sweets, and laugh with her sisters. Betty loved Lake Minocqua and spent over 75 years going “Up North”. Her family is forever grateful that she passed on her love of The Northwoods to four generations and counting. We look forward to sharing our favorite memories of her – our Betty Bomber, our Mom, our Grammy, and our friend on the dock for many years to come. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Betty’s name to The Alzheimer’s Foundation. We offer our love, prayers, and support to all families affected by this disease. Visitation will be from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m., Friday, May 19, 2023, at the Clancy-Gernon Funeral Home, Bourbonnais. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 20, 2023, at Maternity B.V.M. Church. Burial will follow at All Saints Cemetery, Bourbonnais.

Betty Jean Hamlyn

June 6, 1941 - May 16, 2023