Betty DeMichele

Betty (Hasken) DeMichele, age 75, of Freeport, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her children on December 24, 2025.

Betty was born October 24, 1950, in Gratiot, Wisconsin, to Margaret and Lawrence Hasken. She graduated from Aquin High School in 1968 and later that year married her high school sweetheart, Frank DeMichele, on December 21, 1968, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Freeport. Together they built a life rooted in hard work, family, and unwavering devotion to one another.

Throughout her life, Betty poured her heart and soul into everything she did. She began her career at Structo, later known as Thermos, where she worked in Customer Service until the company's closure in 1997. She went on to serve with dedication and professionalism at The Seidenburg Group and later as Office Manager for Winter and Associates. Betty concluded her working years as General Manager of the Hampton Inn, where she was known as a strong businesswoman, respected leader, and trusted mentor who encouraged others to strive for excellence and believe in themselves.

Even with a demanding career, Betty never missed what mattered most. She was a constant presence at her children's and grandchildren's sporting events and activities, cheering proudly from the sidelines. She treasured time spent with family, especially during gatherings and shared meals, and she deeply valued staying connected with longtime friends and loved ones through visits, phone calls, and messages. As mobility became more difficult in later years, she embraced online shopping and games on her tablet-always finding joy in the simple pleasures she loved.

Betty delighted in shopping and found great happiness in spoiling her children and grandchildren. Known for her reliability, strength, and passion, she taught her children the value of hard work, perseverance, and always doing their best.

In her later years, Betty faced rheumatoid arthritis with remarkable strength and resilience, continuing to show grace and determination through every challenge.

In her wisdom and selfless love, Betty asked that Christmas be celebrated early, sensing how precious that time would be. Her family is forever grateful they were able to honor her wish and share that cherished holiday together. She spent her final days at home, wrapped in family, friends, laughter, memories, and the compassionate care of hospice.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved husband, Frank DeMichele, her sister, Norma Jean Hasken, her brother-in-law, Ron Simler, her sister-in-law, Ruth Hasken, and her son, Jason DeMichele.

Betty is survived by her loving children: Jeremy (Sarah) DeMichele, Lesli (Larry) Brown, and Dominic DeMichele, all of Freeport. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to ten grandchildren: Dominic DeMichele, Bailey Lopez, Payton Stein, Dawson DeMichele, Graysen DeMichele, Addison DeMichele, Casey Rafferty, Miranda Brown, Devin Brown, and Landon Brown. She is also survived by her step-granddaughter, Lexi Restivo. She was also blessed with six great-grandchildren: Connor Rafferty; Maddox and Malia Lopez, Addison Stein, and Madden and Emmett DeMichele. She is further survived by her brother, Richard Hasken of Freeport, her sister, Darlene (Mike) Collin of Hugo, Minnesota, a special sister-in-law, Lynette Simler of Portland, Oregon, and many cherished nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff of the Freeport Health Network ICU and Hospice for their exceptional care and kindness, which allowed Betty to spend her final days peacefully at home, surrounded by love.

Betty's faith was an important foundation in her life and in the way she raised her family. While she will be deeply missed, her loved ones find comfort in knowing she is now at peace, reunited with those who went before her, and resting in God's loving care. Her love, strength, and gentle presence will remain forever in the hearts of all who knew her.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday January 6, 2026, from 4 PM - 6 PM, at the Schwarz Park Blvd Chapel, located at 608 S. Park Blvd in Freeport.