Betty Ann Juricic, age 91, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2026, leaving a legacy defined by her vibrant independence with a sharp intellect, an extraordinary gift for friendship and as a beloved Aunt to all throughout many generations! After a distinguished career as the Vice President of the Will County Employees’ Credit Union in Joliet, Illinois, Betty retired at age 60 and moved to Florida, embarking on a 31-year chapter filled with joy and purpose. Remarkably, she maintained her full independence until just two months before her passing, a testament to her enduring strength and vitality.

Always the consummate connector of people, upon moving to Florida, Betty settled in Poinciana where she lived for nearly 20 years, leaving for a short 18-month move to San Antonio Texas. Then, upon her return to Florida, she moved into Good Samaritan Village in Kissimmee. Throughout her life, but especially in retirement, she built an incredible network of friends who were profoundly supportive of one another, creating a community that felt like family. Her legacy within this circle is one of shared meals, much game playing, celebrating faith and friendship, singing, and adventuring together. With her bubbly nature and striking resemblance to the character, she was affectionately known as "Betty Boop".

Betty’s exceptional brainpower remained a hallmark of her life until the very end. She was a formidable competitor who thrived on mental challenges, fueling a lifelong passion for card games, word games, and dominoes. She was also a dedicated participant in her weekly pro football pool, a reflection of her love for the thrill of the bet and time spent in casinos. Whether with family or friends, her sharp wit and engagement with those around her made her the heart of every game night.

In her earlier retirement years, Betty was an avid and stylish golfer. For decades, she was a familiar and elegant presence on the course, known for her signature bandanas that perfectly matched her attire. She continued to enjoy the sport and the camaraderie of the fairways and the 19th hole until she finally retired her clubs.

Betty was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph, as well as her five siblings and several nieces and nephews. Family was the cornerstone of Betty’s life, and she was particularly grateful for the unwavering support of her Great Niece, Lisa Craig and her husband Dave, who provided incredible care and companionship throughout Betty’s last three decades. She is survived by her sister-in-law Monica Kantu; her nieces and nephews, Judy, Dennis, Carol, Jerald, Ron, Art, and Kathy; and a sprawling family of great, great-great, and great-great-great nieces and nephews, including youngest relatives, her Great-Great Nephew Edward Shuda IV, and Great-Great-Great Nephews Nicholas Michael “Nico” Mancuso and Caden Everett Lape.

Her family and friends will forever cherish the memory of a woman who played the game of life with intelligence, style, and an abundance of love. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Betty’s name to the charities she supported: St Jude Children’s Charities (stjude.org), Good Days which supported eye health (mygooddays.org/donate/), or the United Serviceman’s Organization -- USO (USO.org).