Claudette L. Doyle

Claudette Lou Doyle, 84, of Chicago Heights, died July 23, 2022. Claudette was the loving wife of Warren Becker, to whom she was married for 39 years.

She is also survived by her children, Mark Thomas, Douglas Lee and Nora Lynn; son-in-law, Steven Rodacker; grandchildren Jessica, Melanie, Ryan and Quinn; and great-grandchildren Caden and Averi.

Claudette was born Dec. 16, 1937, on the south side of Chicago, growing up in the Beverly neighborhood. She attended Morgan Park High School in Beverly and DePauw University in Greencastle, Indiana, eventually earning a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in social work from Governor's State University.

Claudette found her professional passion in social work. She was a youth and family counselor for Aunt Martha's, where she met Warren, who was a volunteer for the organization. She later served as a youth counselor for the YWCA.

Together, Claudette and Warren explored Mexico and Italy, and spent much of their time at their beloved home near Whitehall, Michigan, where Claudette spent days on end reading mysteries, contemplating Lake Michigan, and attending St. Peter's By the Lake Episcopal Church in Montague.

She was also a parishioner of St. John's Episcopal Church in Flossmoor, Illinois. Claudette was a seeker of God, actively studying the Bible and working toward a deep spiritual understanding.

Claudette was both fierce and kind, independent, witty, caring and could connect with anyone. People – often strangers – felt comfortable sharing with her and received a receptive ear in return.

She taught her children to be caring and self-sufficient.

Claudette loved music, and had eclectic taste, ranging from Led Zeppelin and Janis Joplin to Dusty Springfield to classical and blues. She and Warren attended countless concerts, and supported the Chicago Symphony Orchestra as well as the Steppenwolf Theatre.

She is preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Wilt; parents, Russell and Doris Wilt; and her first husband, Thomas Doyle.

In lieu of flowers, Claudette would have been pleased for your donations to go to the ASPCA . She loved animals, with the exception of squirrels that snuck in to terrorize her and her house. True story.

A visitation will be at the Tews-Ryan Funeral Home 18230 Dixie Highway in Homewood on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. A church service will be held at the Church of St. John the Evangelist in Flossmoor on Wednesday, August 10, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. . For additional information contact tews-ryanfh.com or call 708-798-5300.