Elizabeth "Betty" McLean

Elizabeth “Betty” McDonald McLean, born on May 14, 1938, in Chicago, IL, died peacefully on December 14, 2025. She is preceded in death by husband Daniel R. McLean (2017) and parents Clement J. and Margaret McDonald. 

Betty is survived by her children Meg Yeakey (Mark), Julie Clark (Keith), Dan McLean (Colleen) and Drew McLean (Amy); grandchildren Jack, Sam, Mark, Madeline, Elizabeth, Morgan, Rogen, Max, Phoebe, Dylen, Mike and Derek; great-grandchildren Daniel and Francis; brothers Clem McDonald (Barbara), Ray McDonald (Gay) and Michael McDonald (Susan), and sister Peggy McGrath (Tom). 

While pursuing a degree in Education at Loyola University, Betty met Dan, a fellow student and the love of her life, and they married in 1961. Betty taught in the Chicago Public Schools while Dan taught at St. Francis. They settled in Oak Park, IL, and started building their family. Betty returned to teaching at Ascension School in the early 70s. She had a profound impact on her students. Even after retirement, they would speak fondly of their experiences. Betty was also active in the Oak Park community and Ascension Parish. She and Dan loved teaching CCD to high school seniors for years. In addition, they taught Pre-CANA in the Chicago Archdiocese for 25-plus years.

In 1979, Betty and Dan made Grand Beach, MI, their family’s second home. Grand Beach MI was a family home to Betty since high school. The Grand Beach community was a place of grounding for over 60 years. Grand Beach holds many memories with family and friends – a community she embraced. As their children grew, Dan left his CPA firm and took a job in DeKalb as CFO of Alloyd. With the move, Betty made even more friends, tutored, and volunteered at St. Mary’s Church.  

In retirement, Betty and Dan made a home in Bonita Beach, FL. For more than 28 years, she continued to embrace each day. It is with great sadness that we say goodbye, but we know she is now with Dan, family, and friends, singing and dancing in the joy of our Lord.     

A visitation will be held on Saturday December 27, 2025 from 9:30am until time of funeral mass 11:00am at St Isaac Jogues Catholic Church, 4th and Clay St, Hinsdale, IL 60521. 

in lieu of flowers memorials can be made to Chicago Catholic Charities  or Beyond Hunger - Oak Park Food Pantry.