Betty L. Mekemson-Chan

Betty L. Mekemson-Chan, 92, passed away peacefully July 2, 2019 at home in Wheeling, IL, with her two daughters at her side. Betty was born November 8, 1926 in Kansas City, MO, as the only child of C. Victor and Mary Bell (Graham) Ledeen. The family moved to the Chicago area when she was a child. She attended Bowen High School, Northwestern University and graduated from Wesley Memorial Hospital as a registered nurse. After raising her daughters, she returned to nursing, specializing in geriatric care as a tribute to her parents. She is survived by her daughters, Susan Sherwood (Scott Noland) of Arvada, CO, and Christina Glenn of Wheeling, IL, and granddaughter, Taylor Noland, of Arvada, CO. Betty was preceded in death by her mother and father, her daughter, Nancy Sherwood, William S. Sherwood, the father of her children, her second husband, Stuart Mekemson, and her third husband, Raymond Chan. After marrying Stuart, Betty became a fond stepmother to IL, Jack (Tonia) Mekemson of Kalamazoo, MI, David Mekemson (Irene), of Chicago, Shelle (Tom) Pentes of Steubenville, OH, Wendy (Calvin) Thomas of Kenosha, WI and Leslie Mekemson-Allen (deceased). Her new family grew over the years to include 13 step-grandchildren and 21 step-great-grandchildren. The Mekemson clan had a long-standing tradition of family gatherings, especially Thanksgiving, which brought together as many as fifty members from across the country. Betty especially loved seeing the new babies that arrived almost every year. Betty loved to travel, visiting more than thirty countries during her life. She took her mother to Europe to tour with her GI daughter, went to the British Isles to explore the Mekemson family ancestry, made trips with the Field Museum and traveled with friends who shared her love of exploring new places. She was a member of the United Methodist Church of Libertyville for fifty years, where she taught Sunday School and sang in the church choir. She shared Stuart’s love of gardening, and served as president of the Garden Club of Libertyville for a term. After marrying Raymond Chan of Glenview, his love of opera led to her beginning her association with the Lyric Opera Northfield Chapter. They loved attending the theatre together, opera and fine dining, and made several cultural trips to Europe together. Raymond was very creative and loved puns, and penned lovely tributes to his beloved on any and all occasions. Everyone who knew Betty loved her for her kindness and cheerful nature. A celebration of her life will be held at a future date. Memorial contributions may be made to the United Methodist Church of Libertyville or the Alzheimer’s Association.

Betty L. Mekemson-Chan

November 8, 1926 - July 2, 2019