BettyAnn Henderson

BettyAnn Henderson of Wheeling, IL, passed away peacefully on May 23, 2026 at the age of 83. Survived by her beautiful 3 daughters, Jill (Brian) Speizer, Krisann (partner Bill Strain) Henderson, and Leslie (Jesse) Bakkar. Proud grandmother of Meagan Speizer. Step-grandmother to Rihanna Bakkar. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband Brian W. Henderson; parents Martin F. and Mary Elizabeth “Betty” Barrett (nee Grubbs); and sister Kathleen Patricia Williams. BettyAnn is survived by many dear friends who will miss her greatly and forever remember her warm and kind spirit.

BettyAnn was known for her kindness, generosity, and genuine interest in others. She built friendships that lasted a lifetime and had a remarkable way of making people feel remembered and valued. Whether it was a birthday, holiday, milestone, or simply a note to let someone know she was thinking of them, she never missed an opportunity to acknowledge the important moments in the lives of those she cared about.

A lifelong reader and avid card player, BettyAnn enjoyed her book clubs, canasta, mah jongg, and countless bridge games with friends, family, and members of her church community. She treasured time spent with others and maintained close friendships throughout her life.

She also loved to travel. Family vacations meant piling into the yellow ‘76 Gran Torino station wagon for the long drive between Chicago and San Diego. Days were spent playing in the waves at La Jolla Shores, and BettyAnn would have sandwiches and an ice-cold Fresca waiting for her three daughters when they returned hungry from the surf.

BettyAnn believed in giving back. She served as a Girl Scout leader, volunteered in her community, and, alongside her husband Brian, delivered Meals on Wheels. She was resilient, thoughtful, and attentive to the smallest details, often noticing the things others missed.

She made her corner of the world a better place.

Memorial visitation from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm, Thursday, June 11, 2026 at Glueckert Funeral Home, Ltd., 1520 N. Arlington Hts. Rd., Arlington Heights, IL 60004.

Please join us in celebrating BettyAnn's life 10:00 am, Friday, June 12, 2026 at St. Mary Catholic Parish, 10 N. Buffalo Grove Rd., Buffalo Grove, IL 60089.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be given to The Salvation Army, 5040 N. Pulaski Rd., Chicago, IL, 60630-2788, or to JourneyCare Foundation 2050 Claire Ct., Glenview, IL, 60025.