Elizabeth Heid

UPDATED SERVICE INFORMATION: Betty went to be with our Lord on Thursday, June 17, 2021, at the age of 88. Betty died peacefully at home in her sleep after a long battle with a heart condition and quite possibly a broken heart. Betty was born, August 18, 1932 in Shullsburg, Wisconsin, to, Leo and Hazel (Murray) Christopher. Betty was the 4th child of 5. Betty’s mother passed in 1935 and so did her newborn brother John at two weeks old; Betty never knew her mother or younger brother. Betty’s father was a brave man; he decided to raise his four children without a mother with the help of a hired woman, Mildred (Mib) Bunker. Mib played an important part of the children’s life. Betty did not have a middle name; she was disappointed by this fact. Mib gave Betty a middle name; calling her Betty Ann. Betty was elated! She had a middle name and it stuck with her the rest of her life. Alan called her this all the time it was his term of endearment for her. A yearly visit from Betty’s family took place every May. The friendship with Mib continued until her passing.Betty graduated from Shullsburg High School in 1950. After graduation she moved to Dubuque, Iowa, living in a boarding house. She worked at a few different jobs while residing in Dubuque. Betty, her sister Mary, along with a friend, Joyce Scott Panke decided to go to Boston. They stayed there for several weeks seeing the sights and working in a candy factory. When Betty returned to the Midwest she got a job at a Freeport Hospital. While working there she met her husband, not as a patient, through one of her co-workers, Gloria, who was dating Alan’s brother. They became sisters-in laws, after both being married in 1955. Betty married Alan L. Heid on April 23, 1955 in Shullsburg, at St Matthew’s Catholic Church. Betty and Alan celebrated 65 years before his passing last year on July 9, 2020. After Betty and Alan married, Betty became a stay at home mom. She was involved in her Church, and her children’s school. Betty was in several Bible studies thorough the years, her favorite, being Renew. Betty attended Mass regularly making it point to watching it on TV after her health prohibited her from attending in person. Betty was a good cook and baker. Her potato salad was delicious! Growing up we never wanted for cookies or cakes. The best bean and ham soup came from her kitchen for many a year. She passed this trait on to her daughter, Jill. Betty watched Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune for many years, getting her husband, children and grandchildren interested. Betty was very proud of her Irish heritage, displaying shamrocks throughout her home in every room, every day, not just on St. Patrick’s Day! Betty loved day trips, shopping and getting a bargain brought her joy. Playing cards was a favorite past time, “it’s good for the mind”. Betty cherished her grandchildren, she had the time to enjoy them and she did. Reading books, going on walks, going out to eat, and going to the fairs back in the day when she felt well. They all grew up to cherish and respect her. Survivors include sisters; Jeannette Christopher, Mary Worley, daughters; Terri A. Dull, Jill (Eathel) Burrow, sons; Jeff Heid and Christopher Heid, grandsons; Jason P. Dull (Nichole Crane) Jesse M. Burrow (Perla Cavazos ) Thomas Z. Burrow, granddaughter; Rebecca A. Dull, great-granddaughter; Rosalinda Cavazos-Burrow, sister in law, Marilyn Sowers, brother in law, Gordon (Pat) Heid, numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. Betty was preceded in death by her parents, brothers; John and James Christopher and husband Alan L. Heid. The family would like to extend a very special thank-you, to Miss Bernie, who took care of Betty since the end of January. Bernie is a kind and gentle soul, a very special person, a true gift from God. Our angel! Betty and Bernie became quite close during these last few months. Bernie helped Betty with her journey home, reinforcing Betty’s belief in God, saying prayers every day and night. Bernie your “Lady Jane” is at Peace.
? Additional thank-you goes to: The nurses of OSF Hospice: Rebecca, Julie, Michelle, Lisa, Eve just to name a few. Betty was on Hospice for a little over two years, she had a lot of visiting nurses: Janelle, Betty’s Social Worker, Rosie and Sandy from Home Instead. In Lieu of Flowers, please consider making a donation in Elizabeth’s honor to Barbara Olson Center of Hope, 3206 N. Central Avenue, Rockford, Illinois, 61101-1756.  A visitation for Betty will take place on Friday, July 23, 2021 at 9:30 to 10:15 AM with a memorial mass at 10:30 AM in St. Bridget Catholic Church, 600 Clifford Avenue, Loves Park, Illinois, 61111. Please join the family for a Funeral Luncheon following the Mass to celebrate the life of Alan and Betty. Stateline Cremations is assisting the family, 712 Windsor Road, Loves Park, Illinois, 61111.