Remembering Betty Jane Vande Merkt: A Life Rich in Accomplishment, Family, and Service

It’s with a touch of sadness, yet a profound appreciation for a life truly well-lived, that we reflect on the passing of Betty Jane Vande Merkt. She left us peacefully on December 3, 2023, in St. Joseph, Michigan, at the remarkable age of 95. Betty Jane, as many knew her, was a woman of quiet strength, formidable intellect, and a heart full of love, leaving an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to cross her path.

Her story began in the vibrant city of Chicago on January 2, 1928, a beloved daughter to Harold and Mildred (Lindahl) Johnson. She grew up alongside her siblings, Barbara and Donald, both of whom, sadly, preceded her in death. From those early days, it was clear Betty Jane possessed a unique drive and curiosity that would define her journey.

Education was paramount to Betty Jane. After graduating from Chicago’s Lake View High School, she went on to excel at Northwestern University, where she joined the Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and earned the prestigious Phi Beta Kappa honors, a testament to her academic brilliance. But her pursuit of knowledge didn’t stop there; she later achieved her MBA from Loyola University in Chicago, a remarkable feat, especially for a woman of her generation, truly breaking barriers and setting a precedent.

In 1949, she embarked on another significant chapter, marrying the love of her life, John “Jack” R. Vande Merkt. Their partnership was a strong one, spanning many happy years until Jack’s passing in 2012. Together, they built a beautiful family, raising three wonderful children: Pamela J. Vande Merkt, who resides in St. Joseph, Michigan; Susan J. Vande Merkt of Evanston, Illinois; and John R. (Kathleen) Vande Merkt, Jr., who calls Hinsdale, Illinois home. Betty Jane’s role as a mother was cherished, and her love for her children was truly boundless.

Beyond her family, Betty Jane carved out an incredibly impressive professional career. She was an accomplished accountant, controller, director of finance, and treasurer across various organizations. She dedicated her talents to the family business, the John Vande Merkt Company, and also lent her expertise to Loyola University's School of Business and the Chicago Board of Education. Imagine, a woman in these significant financial roles during a time when such positions were overwhelmingly male-dominated – she was, in many ways, a quiet pioneer, proving that intelligence and dedication knew no gender.

Yet, her contributions weren't limited to the boardroom. Betty Jane was also a tireless volunteer, giving generously of her time and financial acumen to numerous causes. She served as Treasurer for the Women’s Board of Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke’s Medical Center, led as President of the Kappa Kappa Gamma Alumnae Association of Chicago North Shore, and managed the treasury for Presbyterian Homes in Evanston. Her commitment to community and philanthropy was, quite frankly, inspiring.

When she wasn’t navigating the complexities of finance or giving back, Betty Jane embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved a good game of bridge, enjoyed hitting the golf course and tennis court, and was, by all accounts, an avid reader – always learning, always curious. She cherished her time at her Michigan home and, oh, how she loved to travel, exploring the world with an open heart and mind. Her family will undoubtedly remember her sharp wit, her genuinely warm heart, and that unwavering work ethic that guided her every endeavor.

Betty Jane’s legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren: Kathryn “Katie” (David) Dykstra, John “Jack” (Meghan) Vande Merkt III, and Elizabeth “Liz” (fiancé Matthew D’Ambrosio) Vande Merkt. And, of course, the sparkle in her eye, her beloved great-grandchildren: Charles, Theodore, and Eleanor Dykstra, along with John R. Vande Merkt IV. What a wonderful family tree she nurtured!

Private family services will be held, with interment in Michigan, honoring Betty Jane’s quiet dignity. For those wishing to pay tribute to her extraordinary life, the family suggests memorial contributions to Rush University Medical Center or Caring Circle Hospice. Betty Jane Vande Merkt’s life reminds us that true success is measured not just in achievements, but in the love shared, the lives touched, and the enduring legacy of kindness and brilliance left behind.