Betty Jane Lewan

1934 - 2025

NAPERVILLE, Ill. - Betty Jane (Sirotek) Lewan, age 91, passed away peacefully on February 24, 2025. Born on February 7, 1934 in Chicago, IL, she was the first of 7 children born to Victor and Hannah (Larsen) Sirotek. Betty married her High School sweetheart, Richard B. Lewan, on Dec 19, 1950, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love, laughter, and world-wide adventures.

Betty and Richard started their family living in many neighborhoods on the South-side of Chicago, IL, raising their young children primarily in Beverly, before moving to Johnsburg, IL, where they continued to create lasting memories. Betty was a devoted mother to Christine Cantrell (Danny), Richard Lewan, Jennifer Ladner (Tony), Leonard Lewan, Mary Jacobs (Derk), and William Lewan (Jodi). She was also a proud grandmother of 14 and great-grandmother of 5. Family was everything to Betty; her greatest joy came from being surrounded by them.

Known for her warmth, quick wit, and beautiful singing voice, Betty made everyone feel welcome and loved. She had a passion for reading, was a talented cook, and loved hosting family gatherings. As her children matured, Betty continued her education and accepted fulfilling careers for her personal and family development. Betty shared her husband's love for flying and adventure, and upon retirement they traveled the country together in their RV before settling in Florida. Later in life, they moved to Three Oaks, MI, where they were surrounded by Betty's siblings. After Richard's passing, Betty moved closer to her children in Naperville, IL.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, Richard, their son, Leonard Lewan and her parents, Victor and Hannah Sirotek. She will be deeply missed by her large family and all who knew her.

A funeral mass to celebrate Betty's life will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at 11:00 AM EDT at St. Agnes Church in Sawyer, MI. She will be laid to rest with Richard at Riverside Cemetery in Three Oaks, MI.