Elizabeth "Betty" Wleklinski

Elizabeth “Betty” Ann Wleklinski, 68, was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, godmother and
loyal friend to many. She passed away in the early morning hours of Jan. 2, 2024.
Betty was born on May 7, 1955, to the late Joseph and Caroline (Kwasniewski) Wleklinski in
Chicago. She was a loving sister to her brother James Joseph Wleklinski Sr. (the late Ruth
Thomas Wleklinski) and her late brother Gary Arthur Wleklinski (the late Marian Kasperski
Wleklinski). She was a cherished and beloved aunt to Michele Carbonara (the late John),
James Wleklinski Jr. (Cristy), Gary Wleklinski Jr. (Kara), Steven Wleklinski (Nadia), Laurie
O’Halleran (Mike), and Paul Wleklinski. Betty was a devoted godmother to Gary Jr. and Steven.
She was loved by all her great nieces, great nephews, cousins and wonderful lifelong friends.
Betty graduated from Foreman High School in Chicago in 1973. She went on to nursing school
at the Ravenswood Hospital Medical Center College of Nursing. She became a registered nurse
in 1975. She drove many miles while working at hospitals in downtown Chicago over her 47-
year nursing career. She retired in December 2022 and finished her career as a case manager.
She was a wonderful dog mom to eight adorable dogs: Cricket, Skippy, Petey, Garlic, Zak,
Toby, Gali and Chip. She spoiled and loved all of them as though they were her babies.
Betty was the glue to all the extended family gatherings, coordinating the annual Kwasniewski
family picnic at Binnie Woods and managing the family genealogy. She was the go-to expert on
all medical questions and always showed up for whomever needed her help – no matter how
big or small the request. She was an invaluable part of our family.
She had so many hobbies including quilting; crocheting blankets; playing games; doing puzzles;
rooting for the Cubbies and Blackhawks; and collecting music boxes, Hallmark ornaments and
candles. But her favorite pastimes were traveling and going out to lunch with her best friends.
She talked fondly of her friends and cherished their times together. Their many cruises and
vacations together meant so much to her.
Betty was a lefty with a lead foot and could parallel park into the tightest of spots. She donated
to her church (St. Luke Catholic Church in Carol Stream) and many causes. She made the best
cheesecakes and always shared her and grandma Caroline’s recipes to anyone willing to try to
compete with their delicious foods. Betty also served on her HOA board for over 10 years and
was president of the board when she passed.
Betty spent her life taking care of others, but her most treasured person she cared for was her
mother, Caroline. She was always there for her and there wasn’t anything she wouldn’t do for
her mother. Betty inspired the love and togetherness that her nieces and nephews model their
lives after. She’ll be missed greatly by everyone who was blessed enough to know her.