Elizabeth “Betty” Jean Riordan

Elizabeth (Betty) Jean Riordan, 57,of Grayslake, IL, passed away July 5, 2020. She leaves behind a very large and loving family. Betty was born February 6th, 1963, in Chicago, Illinois, to John and Doris (Thompson) Riordan, the fifth of seven children. She was a 1980 graduate of Forest View High School and went on to DePaul University in Chicago, graduating in 1984 with a degree in Marketing. During these years, she enjoyed working retail at JCPenney and Marshall Field’s, which sparked her flare for fashion. In September of 1987, she married Peter J. Klett. During their 19-year marriage, she was blessed with three wonderful sons that she loved very much. Betty homeschooled her boys for several years and looked forward to planning celebrations and themed birthday parties for them, which usually included a Thomas the Tank handcrafted cake. Betty was a passionate supporter of the environment. Reduce, reuse, and recycle was a way of life for her. She lived simply, loved finding deals at Goodwill and never backed down from a home improvement project (or a good debate). Commonly known amongst family and friends as a "lead foot", Betty was fortunate to have minimal interactions with police officers. Betty loved retro and classic clothes with bold colors. She enjoyed going to quilting shows with her Mom, sewing, reading, and family game days. She was a very thoughtful and generous person who loved to give gifts to others. Betty is survived by her three sons: Johann (Emily) Klett of Lake Villa, IL, Heinrich Klett of Normal, IL, and Frederick Klett of Stillwater, OK; loving mother, Doris Riordan of Huntley, IL; brothers and sisters: Thomas (Margaret) Riordan of Lake Geneva, WI, Steven Riordan of Fox Lake, IL, Patricia Riordan of DeForest, WI, John Riordan of Flagstaff, AZ, and Susan Carter of Windsor, CO; 14 nieces and nephews, 14 great-nieces and great-nephews; an Aunt, Donna (the late Mel) Doty, and many cousins including her cousin and best friend, Joelyn (Hal) Barker. She is preceded in death by her father, John; her brother, Dennis; and Grandparents, Earle and Gladys Thompson, and James and Johanna Riordan. A memorial visitation will be held at 1:00 Saturday, Juy 18, 2020, until the services at 3:00 pm at Symonds Lakes Funeral Home, 111 W. Belvidere Rd, Grayslake IL 60020. The Rev. Father Christian Shiu, officiating. Private interment at Mt. Carmel Cemetery, Hillside IL. For additional information please contact the funeral home: 847-543-1080.     …      

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