Bette Therese Vaughan

Bette Therese Vaughan (nee Emmett) entered peacefully into eternal life on Christmas Day, December 25, 2021. Though her family knows she is in the loving arms of our Lord, Jesus Christ, she will be missed always by all. She was preceded in death by “her darling,” Robert Gerard Vaughan, “the love of her life,” to whom she was married nearly sixty-five years.

Born in Chicago, Illinois on May 15, 1925 to Thomas and Evelyn (nee Nolan) Emmett, Bette lived and worked in Chicago, and after marrying her high school sweetheart post WWII, moved to Lake Villa, Illinois where she and Bob raised eight children. Active in her community and church, Bette served as President of the Altar and Rosary Society at Prince of Peace Catholic Church. A trained vocalist, Bette rejected offers to study and perform opera in Chicago in order to marry and raise her family. Many did hear her beautiful voice, however, as she often performed as a soloist in church choirs.

For the last seventeen years of her life, Bette lived in Punta Gorda, Florida where she and Bob moved after retirement. All who knew Bette knew she was beautiful inside and out, and that she loved to sport the latest fashions. Her “artist self” enjoyed putting together lovely ensembles until her dying day. Besides being an avid Chicago Cubs fan, she loved to play golf and work in her flower gardens; her home was open to all and she loved entertaining.

Bette’s beautiful “inside” self was her devotion to family, and especially to Jesus. Until the day she died, she started each day with the viewing of Mass, the recitation of the rosary and by praying for each of her children, grandchildren and fifty great- grandchildren (and even two more expected in January) by name.

Preceded, also, in death by her son Robert E, Vaughan in 1972, her daughter Anne Vaughan and two grandchildren in 1982, a great- granddaughter in 1996 and a granddaughter in 2013. Bette is survived by thirty-one grandchildren and the fifty great-grandchildren previously mentioned, the progeny of her surviving sons and daughters: Mary E. (Donald Oelerich) Vaughan of Punta Gorda, FL, Michael (Mary Frances Santos) Vaughan of Bethel, CT., Terrance (Ellen Mitchell) Vaughan of Grayslake, IL., James (Penny English) Vaughan of Punta Gorda, Margaret (Mark) Harper of Burlington, WI., and Kathleen (Greg) Haley of Twin Lakes, WI.

A first generation American, whose father was born in Ireland, Bette’s “Irish eyes” did steal hearts away. Besides her large and loving family, Bette will be greatly missed by nieces, nephews and many friends who communicated with her often and loved her dearly.

Though no plans have been made at this time, a Memorial Service will occur sometime in the future. Bette supported many worthwhile charities, but her favorite was St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Donations in her honor to that facility would be her desire.