Celebrating Betty Bauer: A Century in Hinsdale

About 65 years ago, Betty Bauer and her husband, Bob, made a decision to move from Chicago’s South Side to Hinsdale. At the time, the area looked quite different than it does today. ‘We found an empty lot in Hinsdale, just a block away from St. Isaac Jogues,’ Betty Bauer recalls. ‘The whole block was practically empty. We bought the lot, hired a builder, and built our home.’ Today, Betty still resides in that same home and is preparing to celebrate her 100th birthday there.

Her granddaughter, Amelia Bauer, 33, shared that the birthday plans include an afternoon with neighbors and friends outside, followed by a more intimate family dinner the next day. ‘That’s where we will celebrate her big milestone,’ Amelia said. ‘I feel so lucky to have my grandma this long. She inspired my sister and me to join her in the Daughters of the American Revolution last year, and researching our family ancestry has been enjoyable. She has many amazing stories about her life, so I’ve started documenting those as well.’

Betty Bauer expressed great satisfaction with her choice to settle in Hinsdale with her family, despite not knowing she’d stay in the same house throughout her life. ‘We certainly intended to stay for a long time,’ she said. ‘Once we built the house, it became home. Much of our life revolved around St. Isaac Jogues Church and School. We wanted a big family, and Hinsdale was a perfect place for it. The church, the school, the neighborhood, and a convenient train for Bob’s commute downtown were all major advantages.’

Betty fondly remembers family picnics at Katherine Legge Park. ‘It was a nice community to build a life in,’ she said. ‘Our children and grandchildren have stayed close, many still in Hinsdale and nearby, so I’ve been fortunate to watch generations grow around me.’

St. Isaac Jogues holds particular significance for the Bauer family; Betty often volunteered as ‘class grandparent’ when her grandchildren attended the school. ‘Being part of a community means giving back,’ she said, highlighting her involvement with the church, school, and even the village, where she helped with mailouts and various activities.

As technology advanced, Betty embraced it, learning computer skills and staying connected through email. She kept up with current events and enjoyed brain games and word searches. While Hinsdale has evolved over her years there, she finds its charm and community feel intact. ‘The town has grown, but its family-oriented essence remains,’ Betty said. ‘Downtown feels familiar despite new stores.’

Reflecting on her nearing 100th birthday, Betty maintains a positive outlook. ‘Turning 100 is quite something,’ she said. ‘Aging isn’t easy, but witnessing the lives of my children, grandchildren, and now great-grandchildren is incredible. Many are nearby, which is a great gift.’

Though she experiences some mobility challenges now, Betty recalls walking around Hinsdale until age 98. ‘I loved being able to walk to church or the store.’ She shares no secret to her long life other than resilience and good health, crediting regular church visits and an active mind for her longevity. ‘Learning to use a computer, keeping in touch with family, and staying engaged with the world probably helped.’

Her granddaughter Amelia shared cherished childhood memories with her grandmother. ‘Growing up nearby meant often visiting her. My siblings and I would stop by for an ice cream after swimming at the pool, just a block away. She always had vanilla ice cream and sugar cones for us.’