Approximately 65 years ago, Betty Bauer and her husband, Bob, decided to relocate from Chicago’s South Side Hegewisch neighborhood to the western suburbs. They settled in a Hinsdale that was quite different from today. Betty recounted, “We found an empty lot in Hinsdale, just a block from St. Isaac Jogues. The whole block was almost vacant. We purchased the lot, hired a builder, and constructed our home.”
Bauer continues to reside in that very home and will commemorate her 100th birthday there this Thursday. Her granddaughter, Amelia Bauer, aged 33, shared that birthday plans include an afternoon spent outside with neighbors and friends. The celebration extends into Friday with a family dinner. “That’s where we will honor her significant milestone,” Amelia stated. “I feel so fortunate to have had my grandma for this long. Last year, she inspired my sister and me to join her as members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and we’ve enjoyed exploring our family history together. She has so many wonderful stories about her life, and I have started documenting those. I love learning about her experiences.”
Betty expressed that choosing Hinsdale proved to be excellent for her and her family, even though she never anticipated living in the village, in the same house, where they raised six children. “We certainly intended to stay long-term,” she remarked. “Once we built the house, this became home. For us, much of life centered around St. Isaac Jogues Church and School. We desired a large family, and Hinsdale was ideal for raising one. We had the church, the school, a great neighborhood full of families, and Bob could easily commute downtown for work due to the proximity to the train.”
Betty is pictured with her six children in an undated family photo. She will celebrate her 100th birthday on Thursday at the family home near St. Isaac Jogues Church and School, where the family has been actively involved.
Bauer highlighted how the community activities, such as Sunday picnics at Katherine Legge Park, added to the appeal of Hinsdale. “It was a great place to build a life,” she said. “Our children and grandchildren have remained very close, with many still living in Hinsdale or the surrounding western suburbs, allowing me to witness generations growing up around me.”
St. Isaac Jogues held a significant place in the Bauer family’s life. Betty volunteered as a “class grandparent” at the school when her grandchildren were students. “Being part of a community means giving back,” she noted. Over the years, raising six children and participating in activities at St. Isaac Jogues Parish kept Bauer busy. She also enjoyed participating in a women’s bowling league and playing bridge with friends.
Her contributions to the Hinsdale community included assisting with large mailings. “Whenever there was a big mailing, they’d call me. I’d gather some friends, and we’d label everything and prepare it for delivery,” she said. As she aged, Bauer embraced technology, becoming adept at using a computer, emailing family and friends, and keeping up with current events. She also enjoys brain games and word searches.
While Hinsdale has evolved over the decades, Bauer feels its charm and family focus remain. “The town has grown, yet it retains its essence and familial atmosphere,” she observed. “Downtown still feels familiar, even though stores have changed.”
Throughout her time in Hinsdale, Bauer has consistently felt grateful for her decision to move there. “It has been a wonderful community,” she affirmed. “Once we built our home, we never considered leaving, and I never wanted to downsize. A meaningful experience was how neighbors and community members checked on me during COVID, ensuring my well-being. That reflects the kind of place Hinsdale is.”
As she prepares to turn 100, Bauer maintains a positive outlook. “Well, reaching 100 feels wonderful,” she said. “Aging isn’t easy, but the best part is witnessing my children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren grow. Being part of their lives is the greatest gift.”
Despite her age, Bauer laments not being as mobile as she once was. “I was active until I was about 98,” she shared. “I loved walking to church or the store in Hinsdale.” As for her longevity, she doesn’t claim any secrets. “I’ve led a good life, stayed positive, and was usually healthy. Daily walks to church might have helped. Keeping the mind active is important—I learned to use a computer, stayed connected with family and friends via email, followed the news, and still enjoy brain activities. I even use FaceTime now.”
While Bauer cherishes many memories of Hinsdale, her granddaughter, Amelia, shared her own. “Some of my fondest memories are from growing up just a mile away from her. My siblings and I often rode bikes to the Hinsdale pool and stopped by her house afterward for ice cream. She always had vanilla ice cream and sugar cones, and we’d play card games like war.”
Chuck Fieldman contributed as a freelance reporter for Pioneer Press.
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