Betty J. Van Wassenhove

KEWANEE - Betty J. Van Wassenhove, 89, of Kewanee, passed away peacefully at 2:22 a.m., Saturday, September 21, 2024 at her home.

Betty was born on October 6, 1934 in Kewanee, the daughter of Wilbur and Mary Justine Frazer. She married Leonard R. Van Wassenhove on June 1, 1957 and he preceded her in death on January 15, 2001. She was also preceded in death by her parents, and a brother, William Edmund Frazer. She is survived by her son, Mark (Kimberly) Van Wassenhove of Indianapolis, IN, her daughter, Lynn (Edward) Smierciak of South Bend, IN, five grandchildren, Madeline (Jack) Horan, Ted Smierciak, Anna Smierciak, Jacob Van Wassenhove and Claire Van Wassenhove and one great grandchild on the way due in December.

Betty graduated from Kewanee High School in 1952. She had worked in the accounting department at Union Federal Savings and Loan in Kewanee. In earlier years, she had been a secretary at Kewanee High School, had worked in the office at Kewanee Machinery & Conveyor and had been a school library volunteer in Belvidere. She was a member of Saint John Paul II Parish and its choir. She enjoyed knitting and cross stitching and collecting Studio 56 Christmas pieces and lighthouses. She was a member of the Friends of the Library at the Kewanee Public Library and was a 50+ year member of a bridge group. She enjoyed playing other card games and watching the Hallmark Channel. Betty was also an avid Notre Dame Fighting Irish fan and was a cat lover, especially to Taffy Louise and Tabby.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Tuesday, October 8, at Saint John Paul II Parish in Kewanee. Celebrant will be Fr. Ghislain Inai, SMA. The burial will follow at Mt. Olivet Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to Visitation Catholic School or to the Henry County Humane Society – Kewanee Chapter. Rux Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

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