Celebrating a Century: Betty Bauer’s Journey in Hinsdale

About 65 years ago, Betty Bauer and her husband, Bob, decided to leave Chicago’s South Side Hegewisch neighborhood in search of a new home in the western suburbs. They settled on a lot in Hinsdale, only a block from St. Isaac Jogues. “The whole block was practically empty,” Betty reflected. Over the years, they built their family home there, where she still resides today.

This Thursday, Betty celebrates her 100th birthday. Her granddaughter, Amelia Bauer, shared plans for a party with neighbors and friends, followed by a family dinner on Friday. “I feel so lucky to have had my grandma this long,” Amelia said. The family has bonded over joining the Daughters of the American Revolution and digging into their ancestry.

Betty remained in Hinsdale because it was a perfect place to raise her six children. “Once we built the house, this was home,” she explained. The family centered much of their lives around St. Isaac Jogues Church and School. The proximity to the train meant Bob could easily commute to work in downtown Chicago.

Betty has fond memories of the community, recalling Sunday picnics at Katherine Legge Park and participating in local activities. She volunteered at St. Isaac Jogues as a “class grandparent” and supported community events. “I think we always felt that if you were part of a community, you should give something back to it,” she noted.

In addition to raising a big family, Betty engaged in a women’s bowling league and enjoyed playing bridge. Whenever the village needed help with mailings, she and her friends would assist. As she aged, she embraced technology, keeping in touch with loved ones through email and staying current with news.

Hinsdale’s growth hasn’t altered its charm, according to Betty. She appreciates the community’s enduring spirit. “Once we built our home, we never really thought about leaving,” she said. During the COVID pandemic, neighbors and community members frequently checked on her well-being.

As Betty approaches her centennial, she maintains a positive outlook. “I’ve still got my marbles,” she joked. The most rewarding aspect of turning 100 is witnessing her descendants’ lives unfold nearby. “That is really the greatest gift,” she expressed.

One recent change for Betty is reduced mobility, although she was active well into her late 90s. “One of the things I always loved about Hinsdale was that I could walk to church or the store,” she reminisced. Betty attributes her longevity to a positive approach to life and a love of learning, having mastered technology and enjoyed brain games and word searches.

Reflecting on her memories, Amelia recalls biking to the neighborhood pool and stopping by her grandmother’s house for an ice cream cone afterward. These cherished memories illustrate the special bond they share.