Obituary
Betty Schwartz Palles, who inspired her friends and family her whole life with her strength of spirit, kindness and generosity, left this world surrounded by family on November 20, 2024, in Fountain Hills, Arizona, after a brave battle with pancreatic cancer. Born on January 18, 1944, in Chicago, IL, Betty's life was a tapestry of color, warmth, and unwavering support for those she cherished.
Betty's journey was marked by her incredible ability to infuse life with art and kindness. An artist from childhood on, she was awarded a scholarship to the Art Institute of Chicago in her teenage years. Betty's creativity spilled over into every aspect of her life. She handmade Halloween costumes, sewed matching outfits for her kids, and made overflowing platters of cookies for every holiday.
Balancing the roles of a devoted mother and a dedicated student, Betty's resilience shone brightly. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management, all while working part-time, attending college courses, and volunteering tirelessly for her children's activities. With her children still at home, she made a mark working in the hospitality industry.
Continuing her pursuit of education, she then obtained a Master of Social Work. As a licensed clinical social worker, she touched countless lives with her deep dedication to her clients.
Betty loved learning about the world and wanted to see it all. She reveled in traveling and cruising with Allen, her friends and family.
Her grandchildren were the stars in her eyes, and she delighted in every second spent with them-baking, playing, laughing.
Betty had a close and tight knit friend group who always looked out for one another. She dearly loved her cherished friends.
Through the 61 years Betty and Allen were married, Allen was by her side through it all.
His support and love from the day they met was constant.
From childhood and into marriage Betty suffered from Crohn's disease. Allen loved her through it all with tender care. In her last years, Allen steadfastly attended to Betty's every need when she became ill with pancreatic cancer. He was her "rock", she always said. And he was to the very end.
Betty's legacy is carried forward by her dear husband, Allen Palles; her brother and sister-in-law, Jack and Darlene Schwartz; her children and their spouses, Neal Palles and Mary Madison, Bari Palles Ackerman and Kevin Ackerman, Ilisa Palles Bush and Steve Bush, Lara Palles Shemen and Shachar Shemen; her grandchildren, Anna, Emily, Daniel, Jack, Harel, McKenzie, Ziv, and Millie; and her beloved pets, Loli and Boo.
Betty lived as an example that no matter the challenges, one can always find a way to give, to love, and to create.
Today, as we honor Betty Schwartz Palles, let us remember her not with sorrow but with the inspiration she has left behind-a legacy of laughter, artistry, and the indomitable spirit of a woman who gave the world her all.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network - Betty Palles, http://support.pancan.org/goto/teambetty
Chapel service Monday, Nov 25, 2024, 2:30 PM at Shalom Memorial Funeral Home, 1700 W. Rand Road, Arlington Heights. Interment following at Shalom Memorial Park. For information, including a link to view the service, shiva, and to leave condolences, www.shalommemorial.org or (847) 255-3520.