Betty Bauer Celebrates a Century in Hinsdale

About 65 years ago, Betty Bauer and her husband, Bob, chose to move from Chicago’s South Side Hegewisch neighborhood to the western suburbs. They discovered a very different Hinsdale than today, settling just a block from St. Isaac Jogues.

Betty recounted, “We found an empty lot in Hinsdale and built our home there.” Today, Betty still resides in the same house and will mark her 100th birthday there on Thursday.

Plans for Betty’s birthday include an outdoor gathering with neighbors and friends, organized by her granddaughter, Amelia Bauer, 33. A more private family dinner will follow this event on Friday.

Amelia shared, “We will commemorate her milestone intimately. I feel fortunate to have my grandma for so long. She’s inspired my sister and me to join the Daughters of the American Revolution, sparking our interest in family ancestry. Documenting her life stories has been enlightening for me.”

Betty fondly remembers choosing Hinsdale for family life, despite the uncertainty of remaining there long-term. “Once we built the house, it became our home. Life circled around St. Isaac Jogues Church and School. Hinsdale provided the ideal setting to raise a large family with its proximity to transit and community amenities.”

Betty often enjoyed Sunday picnics at Katherine Legge Park with her family. “The community was lovely for building a life,” she reflected. Her children and grandchildren have stayed connected, many choosing to reside in Hinsdale or nearby suburbs. “I witnessed generations grow around me,” she said.

St. Isaac Jogues greatly influenced her family. Betty became a “class grandparent” when her grandchildren attended the school. “We believed in contributing to our community,” she explained.

Raising six children and engaging in church activities kept Betty busy. She also joined a women’s bowling league and played bridge with friends. Betty supported Hinsdale village by organizing volunteers for large mailings. Embracing technology, she became adept with computers, emailing loved ones and staying updated on current events.

Despite many changes, Betty doesn’t think Hinsdale has altered as dramatically as others suggest. “The town has grown yet retains its charm. Downtown feels familiar, albeit with different stores,” she stated.

Betty is grateful for her move to Hinsdale. “Once we built our home, leaving wasn’t on our minds. During COVID, neighbors and the community supported me, affirming the enduring nature of this place.”

Approaching her 100th birthday, Betty remains positive. “Reaching 100 is wonderful. I kept my wits and witnessed my family grow, a cherished gift.”

Physically, Bauer noted diminished mobility starting at 98. “I loved walking to places in Hinsdale, such as the church and the store.”

Without claiming secrets to longevity, Betty mused, “I must be tough to reach this age. I lived well, stayed positive, and maintained health. Attending church daily, regardless of the season, kept me active.”

Betty also embraces technology, keeping her mind sharp through computer use, emailing, and playing brain games. She added, “Now I enjoy FaceTime, too.”

Amelia treasures memories of living close to her grandma. “As kids, we rode bikes to the Hinsdale pool near Grandma’s house and often stopped for a treat. She always had ice cream and sugar cones ready, and we’d play card games together,” Amelia reminisced.