Elizabeth Heierling

Elizabeth “Beth” Heierling, 74, of Chicago, IL passed peacefully on September 10, 2023
in Joliet, IL.

She was probably one of the most alive people anyone could ever know. She
possessed an exuberant spirit, a wry sense of humor, a steadfast determination, and a passion
for lifelong learning. She was an animated storyteller who loved to share her interests with
others, but Beth also constantly demonstrated a seemingly rare and wonderful quality: she
loved to listen to peoples’ stories. She loved seeing someone light up while talking about
something they loved. That being said, it is quite fitting that she passed while being told stories
by her niece.

When Beth was a little girl, she announced that she was going to become a Chicago
Firefighter when she grew up. That was met with the expected, “sure you will, Betts”. But, that
childhood dream wasn’t just a dream. In 1974, Beth became one of Chicago’s first female
paramedics, and she retired from the department in 2004. In response to being told that she and
her sister paramedics opened doors for other women in Chicago, Beth matter-of-factly said that
her goal was never to open a door because, “an open door could always be closed again. I
wanted us to rip it off its hinges”. There’s that steadfast determination for you.

While her time at CFD brought her and her family great pride, she truly contained
multitudes. Her passions and interests ranged from studying marine life and collecting shells
(Pleurotomariidae were a particular favorite) and studying languages and cultures, to music and
her artistic endeavors. She was truly multi-talented and multifaceted. Her legacy will live through
the relationships she nurtured through her loving heart and generous spirit.

She is survived by her sisters, Sue Heierling and Joi Heierling; her niece, Jess (Mike)
Nemec; and an abundance of friends, nieces, and nephews all over the world. Beth was
preceded in death by her parents, Steven and Janet Heierling; her aunt, Vivian; her great
grandparents; her best friend, Pat Conway; and her longtime partner, Keith Johnson. In
accordance with Beth’s wishes, she will be celebrated privately by her family.

In lieu of flowers, she has requested that donations be made to the Maui Humane Society to support both her
love of animals and her deep connection to the Islands
( Click here for online donation ) or to Light Ways Hospice with our deepest gratitude for the care and compassion showed to her and her family in her final days( Click here for online donation ).

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400