Elizabeth "Bette" Connor

Elizabeth Connor nee Biggins, 85, passed away peacefully on Oct 11,2017 surrounded by her loving family. She was born in Joliet, on April 14, 1932 to the late James J. and Elizabeth Kohley Biggins. She attended St. Victor grade school, Calumet City, graduating from St. Patrick school in Joliet, St. Francis Academy High and the College of St. Francis Joliet, IL. While there, Elizabeth and close college classmates formed the “Friends Forever” club which is still active today. She later attended the Ray Vogue School of Design, DePaul University and Northeastern University where she earned her Master’s Degree in Education. Bette met and married her beloved husband, the late Patrick Connor in 1959. Together they raised 4 children; Mary (Joseph) Czuba, Patrick Connor, Michael (Judy) Connor and Annellen (Marty) Gomez. Bette and husband Pat enjoyed traveling and seeing the world together. Elizabeth taught and inspired hundreds of students over the years beginning in 1954 Rehn School Joliet, Jahn, Bell, and Ferry Hall Schools in Chicago and Lake Forest, retiring from Walt Disney Magnet School after a 20-year career there. Always providing for others ahead of herself, she personified the concept of altruism. Elizabeth exquisite talents in art design, sewing, construction and academics, led her to improve the lives of others, volunteering at her children’s schools in Great Books and Library programs, After School Tutoring and Citizenship volunteer for the Vietnamese Association of IL. Elizabeth was co-author with her sister of the Libby Books, based on their mother’s life. She was a member of the Joliet Writers Group. She backpacked around the world, for three months in 2010. Asked what the best part of her trip was, she answered, “The people.” Preceded in death by her husband Pat (2008), brother James E. Biggins, sister, Cathi Biggins, sisters and brothers in law, Mary Jane Olivetti, Paula and John Springer and James Bibb. Besides her devoted children, Elizabeth is survived by 4 grandchildren, Nicholas and Matthew Gomez and Shannon and Brian Connor. She is also survived by brothers Edward (Sue), William Biggins, sister, Mary (Gordon)Kinzler, Brother in law, Matthew (Josephine) Connor and Sister in Law, Kathleen (James, deceased ) Bibb. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral Mass will be held Wednesday, 11AM at St. Ita Catholic Church, 5500 N. Broadway St., Chicago, IL 60640. Donations to St. Ita Church appreciated.

Elizabeth "Bette" Connor

April 14, 1932 - October 11, 2017

Explore

About Us

Grief & Healing

What We Do

Obituaries

Plan Ahead

Resources

Contact Info

Elizabeth "Bette" Connor

April 14, 1932 - October 11, 2017

365 Days of Grief Support

Explore

About Us

Grief & Healing

What We Do

Obituaries

Plan Ahead

Resources

Contact Info