JEAN BIDDLECOM

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS - After a long and productive life, Jean (Borchardt) Biddlecom died from cancer on February 23, 2024, at home under hospice care and surrounded by family. Prior to her brief illness, she often shared with family and friends, wearing a smile, her aspiration to live to the age of 104. Jean took pride in her impact on the world, from raising four children to hosting foreign exchange students who became lifelong friends, to actively participating in local school and zoning issues. She was a remarkably creative individual, designing and sewing clothes, comforters, and quilts. Following her retirement, she established "byjean & company," where she conducted real estate research for redevelopment projects in Chicago and the suburbs. Known for her meticulous investigative work, she tracked down property owners and taxpayers, bringing a critical eye to public records information. Born in 1942 and raised in Highland Park, IL, Jean was the daughter of Ferdinand P. Borchardt and Ruth Rhinesmith. She often recounted stories of her headstrong girlhood in the shadow of her two older brothers, Paul and Bob, and her role in caring for her two younger siblings, Sara and Chris. Jean graduated from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana, as an honors scholar, majoring in rhetoric. In 1965, she married William Biddlecom, and they lived in various locations during his U.S. Naval officer service. They raised four children in Virginia, Wisconsin and Indiana. Prior to starting her own business, Jean worked as a sixth grade teacher, social worker, and a full-time mother. She also wrote and directed plays for middle school students and established a system for college information for high school students. She is survived by her children, Ann Biddlecom (Ennio), Nancy Biddlecom, David Biddlecom, and Michael Biddlecom (Ann); and grandchildren, Kate, Claire, Luke, Camila, Lucy and Riley. Per Jean's wishes, immediate family will gather to celebrate her life and spread her ashes in the ocean. Donations may be made in her memory to The Salvation Army (salvationarmyusa.org) or Mennonite Disaster Service (mds.org).