Elizabeth A. ‘Betty’ Sullivan

Elizabeth A. “Betty” Sullivan, 88, Wonder Lake, died Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, at JourneyCare Hospice in Woodstock, with many of her loving family by her side.

She was born Dec. 25, 1929, in Chicago to Frank and Elizabeth (Leptich) Scherer.

On April 22, 1950, she married the love of her life, William J. Sullivan, in Chicago.

With Betty’s unwavering support, Bill, together with  Betty’s father and brother, owned and operated Armitage Hardware Store in Chicago from 1949 to 1971.  While living in Chicago, Betty was a homemaker and busy with her growing family.

In 1962, Betty and Bill and family moved from Chicago to Wonder Lake.  Bill commuted to Chicago for 10 years until the opportunity arose to purchase the Wonder Lake Hardware Store in 1971.  The new store became Sullivan’s Hardware Store, which was owned and operated by Bill and Betty Sullivan in Wonder Center.  As business owners, the Sullivans were avid promoters of the Wonder Lake community and for many years were top-of-mind as the unofficial first couple of Wonder Lake.  They were instrumental in co-founding the Wonder Lake Chamber of Commerce to support the business community. Betty volunteered her time to serve as treasurer of the chamber for many years and was a staple of chamber events.  In 2002, after more than 30 years in business, the Sullivans sold the hardware store, and retired in 2003.

Active in the community, Betty was a Master Property Owners Association delegate for the Highland Shores subdivision, and also served as an officer on the MPOA Board of Directors.

A woman of faith, Betty was a longtime member of Christ the King Church in Wonder Lake and taught CCD classes there.  Other organizations she was active with were the Wonder Lake Fire Department Auxiliary and the Wonder Lake Women’s Club.   Favorite leisure time enjoyments included taking cruises with her husband as well as participating in a golf league.  Her biggest pride and joy in life was her beautiful family.

Survivors include six children, Barbara Sullivan, DeKalb, Sue Draffkorn, Wonder Lake, Leann (Sean) McMonigal, Crystal Lake, Robert (Renee) Sullivan, Corning, CA, Larry (Julie) Sullivan, McHenry, and Patrick (Jonnie Jo) Sullivan, Wonder Lake; and 11 grandchildren, Sheila (Sean) Britten, Rebecca (Pavel) Tryska, Elizabeth (Chad) Stewart, Amanda (Brian) Garner, Jill (Ken) Oakley, Jim (fiancee Olivia Stangret) Draffkorn, Kyle Sullivan, Kelley (fiance Joe Martinez)  Sullivan, Lisa Sullivan, Shane McMonigal and Brenna McMonigal.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her loving husband April 8, 2004; a brother, Frank; and a son-in-law, Jerry Draffkorn, July 2, 2013.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 16, at Justen Funeral Home & Crematory, 3700 Charles J. Miller Road, McHenry.

Visitation will continue at 9:30 a.m. until the funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, at Christ the King Catholic Church, 5006 E. Wonder Lake Road, Wonder Lake.

Interment will be in Christ the King Cemetery, Wonder Lake.

Memorial donations can be made to the Wonder Lake Food Pantry, 3506 E. Wonder Lake Road, Wonder Lake, IL  60097.