Name: Visitation for Betsy Fox Burke
Start: 2023-11-17T22:00:00.000Z
End: 2023-11-18T02:00:00.000Z
Location: Donnellan Family Funeral Services

Betsy Burke, age 74, of Wilmette. Loving mother of Matt (Meghan nee Gilhooly) Burke and Maggie Burke (Martin Syvertsen). Adoring "Bebe" of grandchildren Rosie, Frankie, Brendan, and Bridget Burke and Conor, Hope, and Timothy Syvertsen. Beloved daughter of Eileen Fox (nee McCaffrey) and the late James L. Fox. Dear sister of Dr. Jim (Ann) Fox, Meg Fox, David (Ellen) Fox and the late Cathy (Jim) Rollings. Doting aunt of Tim, Jimmy, and Meg Fox; Nello (Laura) Ferrara, Alana Ferrara, Lauren (Matthew) Houder; Annie (Liam) Smith, Katie, Mark (Julia), Chris (Liz) Rollings and Julie (Matt) Kelly; Andrew, Will, John and Luke Fox. Beloved Great-Aunt to the next generation of nieces and nephews. Mary Elizabeth ("Betsy") Fox was born on July 10, 1949, in New York. The young family first lived near Betsy's doting Mommom and Poppop McCaffrey in the Forest Hills neighborhood of Queens before moving to Wilmette, but the grandparent bond remained an enduring source of confidence, love, and inspiration throughout her life. Betsy attended St. Joseph School in Wilmette, Woodlands Academy of the Sacred Heart in Lake Forest, and Loretto Heights College in Denver, collecting many dear and lifelong friends along the way. After college, Betsy worked in the restaurant business, honing her passion for cooking and entertaining. She later worked at the Chicago Board of Trade, traveling both domestically and internationally as a single mother in the 1980's. Eventually, she transitioned to a formidable and fulfilling career in real estate. As a realtor, Betsy's tireless work ethic, intuitive understanding of the North Shore real estate market, and deep commitment to her clients (many of whom became close friends) set her apart for nearly thirty years. Betsy will be remembered most for her kindness, warmth, devotion to family, and sense of humor. She was the best friend, sister, mom, daughter, aunt, and grandma anyone could ever have. Visitation Friday, November 17, 2023, 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Donnellan Family Funeral Home, 10045 Skokie Blvd. Skokie, IL 60077. Funeral Mass Saturday, November 18, 2023, 10:00 a.m. at Saints Faith, Hope & Charity Church, 191 Linden Street, Winnetka, IL 60093.

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Published by Chicago Tribune on Nov. 16, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Betsy Burke

8 Entries

Eileen Campbell

February 4, 2024

Betsey was always so kind to me when I joined her office. We had some good laughs, and I learned from her. Plus she had a great houndstooth plaid skirt I loved, which always made us talk about Mondo on Project Runway. Good memories, Betsey! Sleep well.

Nancy Nelson Hoagland

November 29, 2023

I'll forever cherish being in the presence of Betsy during the time I worked at BHHS in Winnetka. A humble powerhouse at work, yet it was her warmth and consistent and genuine care that also made her shine. I will never forget her smile and our conversations. Sending love up to you Betsy, always an angel. My deepest condolences to all of the family.

Meredith R. Pollock

November 18, 2023

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always. Betsy was an absolute treasure.
Love,
Meredith Pollock

Alison Partlan Pontarelli

November 18, 2023

Betsy was a shining star in a crowded room! She always greeted you with a big smile and a kind word!
I am so sorry for your great loss!

Rich and Donna Ramlow

November 18, 2023

This was quite a shock to us as we were in the middle of discussions with her about a property. Betsy helped us with several transactions and we recommended her to anyone we knew was considering a sale. What we loved about her was her straightforward approach to talking about her work. She knew what buyers wanted to see and the mistakes sellers make in overvaluing their own homes. She told us these things with great energy and joy and you could tell how much she loved helping people as a part of her work. We will miss her friendship and her candor. Our condolences to all of her family and apologies that we cannot attend the service today.

Dee Ann Nicholas

November 17, 2023

Betsy was a wonderful person. I worked with her on some real estate transactions, she was gracious, creative, and resourceful. She was truly respected in the Real Estate Industry. She will be greatly missed.

Mary Summerville

November 17, 2023

Had several real estate interactions with Betsy and she was a consumate professional. I am so sorry to hear of her passing, so young!

Laur Szkatulski

November 16, 2023

I was saddened to hear of Betsy's passing. I worked with her many years ago at Koenig and Strey in Winnetka and she became a friend. She always had a smile for everyone and was quick to share her laughter. She will be missed.

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