Obituary of Bette J McDormett
Bette J. McDormett
(nee Smola)
Bette J. McDormett, of Shorewood, passed away peacefully with her loving and inseparable husband, Michael, and devoted daughter, Dawn, by her side on Wednesday, December 27, 2017 at Presence St. Joseph Hospital at the age of 88.
Bette was born on August 22, 1929 to the union of John and Mabel (nee Ellery) Smola. She was born and raised in Chicago and was a graduate of Jones Commercial High School, Class of 1947, where she was a fashion editor, involved in countless clubs and voted the “Best Dressed”. Always the fashionista, Bette could make any outfit of any price look fabulous! After high school she had accomplished careers as an executive secretary for Swift & Company and as a real estate agent, but her most important and cherished job was being the most amazing daughter, wife, mother, nana/grandma and friend. She always put others first and had an unmatched ability to make you feel special and loved when you needed it the most with her gift of listening, encouraging positive words, infectious smile and undying hope for a better tomorrow.
She loved decorating houses, shopping for bargains, entertaining and playing games with friends and family and traveling the world and making new friends with the love of her life.
Bette is survived by her devoted husband and best friend of 58 years, Michael McDormett; her children, John (Heather) McDormett of Prescott, AZ, Dawn (Peter) Lys of Shorewood, IL, and Tom (Janet) McDormett of Clayton, MI; her grandchildren, Bradley, Brittany and Alex Lys, and Trevor, Claire and Shaylin McDormett; and a host of great friends who will miss everything about her. Her legacy will live on in all our hearts and in those who are yet to be with us.
She is preceded by her parents; her brother, Sonny; her sister, Janice Smola; and numerous aunts and uncles.
A Memorial Gathering for Bette J. McDormett will be held on Wednesday, January 3, 2018 from 12:00 p.m. until the time of a Memorial Service at 2:00 p.m., at the Fred C. Dames Funeral Home, 3200 Black at Essington Rds., Joliet, IL. As it was her request, cremation rites have been accorded. For more information, please call 815-741-5500 or visit her Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com
