Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Vail

Mary Elizabeth "Betty" Vail (nee Cronin) 92, a lifelong Chicago, IL, resident passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 12, 2025, at the DuPage Care Center, Wheaton, IL. She was born on August 29, 1932, in Chicago, IL.
Betty was the beloved wife of the late Andrew Francis Vail, Jr., whom she married on June 27, 1953. Andy preceded her in death on August 28, 1992.
She was the loving mother of Andrew Francis Vail, III (Susan) of North Carolina, the late Mark Vail (Mary Jo), Mary Carol Carey (the late Marty Carey), Maureen Wronski (Jim), Matt Vail and Karen Curran (Brendan). Betty was also the adored grandmother of Kelly Ford, the late Martin E. Carey, Michael Wronski, Danny Carey, Luke Vail, Meagan Freshour, Matthew Wronski, Andrew Vail IV, Colin Vail, Kristen Carey, Devin Vail, Katie Wronski, Jack Vail, Fiona Curran, Annie Vail, Patrick Curran and Claire Curran. Beloved great-grandmother of 3. She will be fondly remembered as Mom, Grandma, Great-Grandma, Aunt and a cherished friend to many.
Betty was preceded in death by her beloved parents, George and Helen Cronin, as well as her siblings: Richard, Nancy White, Jerry and Patricia Neubauer.
Betty graduated from Providence High School in Chicago, Class of 1951. After many years spent raising her family she went back to work and held various roles at Zenith, Percy Wilson Mortgage & Finance, Continental Bank, First Chicago Bank and retired as a Trust Services associate at Chase Bank in 2002. Betty cherished her time with her grandchildren, delighting in watching them grow.
She was an avid Chicago sports fan and loved attending games in person and watching games on television. She was very fashionable and had a keen eye for detail - she always wanted her children to look their best. We will all miss her advice in that regard and for so many of her other words of wisdom.
Betty passed peacefully surrounded by her children. While Betty's physical presence will be deeply missed, her legacy of strength, love, guidance and her beautiful smile will continue to be felt in the memories and hearts of all who knew and loved her. Betty made everyone she met feel special, and her warm laugh and unwavering thoughtfulness will be cherished and remembered by all whose lives she touched.
For those who would like to leave a lasting tribute to Betty's life, memorial donations may be directed to the American Lung Association.
Visitation will be Sunday, July 20, 1:00-5:00 PM at the Friedrich-Jones Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 44 S. Mill St., Naperville and Monday, July 21, 9:30-10:30 AM at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 1500 Brookdale Rd., Naperville. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 AM. A private family interment will be at All Saints Cemetery, Des Plaines, IL.