Betty Gillen Obituary

Betty Gillen (nee Sarlitto), age 89, passed away peacefully on December 29, 2019. Betty is survived by children Kathy Gillen Kinka (Jack), Bob Gillen (Mary), Tom Gillen (Linda), and Linda Gillen Evans (Randy); grandchildren Hilary Kinka, Greg Evans, Matt Gillen (Brianna), Adam Evans and Kayla Adams; and brother Ronald Sarlitto (Tina). She was predeceased on Dec. 4, 2019 by husband John "Jack" Gillen of Naperville, by son Dan Gillen (Tracy) in 2013, and by her brother Raymond Sarlitto (Adele) in 2017.

Born October 31, 1930, Betty grew up in Brookfield, IL, the only daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Sarlitto. She formed lifelong friendships at St. Barbara's elementary school in Brookfield and Nazareth Academy in LaGrange Park, graduating high school in 1948. She then attended Illinois State Normal University (now Illinois State University) graduating in 1952, BS Education. There she was charmed by the blue eyes of Jack Gillen, whom she married in 1952. Betty later earned her Master's degree in Library Science from Northern Illinois University, and had a fulfilling career as a librarian at Naperville Central High School and as Head of the Circulation Department at Nichols Library, at both 110 S. Washington Street and 200 W. Jefferson Avenue. She retired in 1999.

A proud resident of Naperville for over 65 years, Betty was a founding member of St. Raphael's parish and belonged to St. Thomas the Apostle Church. She was a lifelong member (emeritus) of the American Association of University Women, and the American Library Association for over 40 years. She always remained engaged in current events and loved to learn and travel; the family has wonderful stories and memories of vacations that Betty planned. Betty was known for her exceptional organizational skills, setting a beautiful table for family gatherings, making "black cows" and introducing the game of chicken foot to grandchildren. Her sage advice and kindness will be missed.

Visitation with the family will be held Saturday, January 18 at 10:00 AM, with memorial mass to follow at 11:00 AM. Both will be held at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville.

Published by Naperville Sun on Jan. 5, 2020.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Betty Gillen

Not sure what to say?





0 Entries

Be the first to post a memory or condolences.

Make a Donation
in Betty Gillen's name

Memorial Events
for Betty Gillen

Jan

18

Visitation

10:00 a.m.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church

1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL

Jan

18

Memorial Mass

11:00 a.m.

St. Thomas the Apostle Church

1500 Brookdale Road, Naperville, IL

How to support Betty's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Betty Gillen's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more