Judge Bettina M. Gembala (nee Marchlewski), beloved wife of the late Judge Francis A. Gembala; loving mother of Claire (Michael) Nass & Justine (Adrian) Skawski; dearest grandmother of Francis John, Marieclaire & Eloise; dear sister of Mary (late Marty) Rooney, Theresa Marchlewski (Tom Nunziato), Frank (late Mary) Marchlewski, Anna (Mike) Murphy, Aida (Ken) Jacoby, Anthony (Maria) Marchlewski, Lisa March (Shawn Skriver), David (Erin) Marchlewski & the late Christopher Marchlewski; fond sister-in-law of Walter Gembala; cherished by her many nieces, nephews, cousins & friends. 

Graduating from law school when her children were 10 and 4, Judge Gembala prioritized both family & career. Her service with the State of Illinois included Chief Judge with the Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation. She served for a short time as a special assistant state's attorney in Kane County. She helped restore Cook County's traffic court after Operation Greylord as Chief Deputy Clerk of the traffic division, & later served as Chief of Staff. Judge Gembala felt her greatest professional impact were the years she worked as a Cook County Circuit Court Judge in the Child Protection Division where she was entrusted to protect the health & welfare of children.

She was a member of the Illinois Judges Association, active in the Chicago Advocates Society & served as president of the National Advocates Society. She accompanied her late husband, an invested Knight of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, on pilgrimages assisting & supporting the sick. Her involvement in these organizations resulted in an abundance of life-long friendships.

After retirement Judge Gembala, alongside her husband, spent more time with family and friends on Maui, on their boat in Belmont Harbor and around their kitchen island celebrating life & love. The Prayer of St. Francis, a favorite of Judge Gembala's & affectionately recited at family christenings, weddings & anniversaries states, "Lord, make me an instrument of your peace, where there is doubt, faith…" exemplified her confidence in her close relationship with the Lord which sustained her until she entered into eternal rest & reunited with her husband.

In memory of Judge Gembala, contributions may be made to Smile Train, which provides life changing safe & quality cleft repair for children, or to Holy Family Hospital of Bethlehem Foundation. The hospital, a primary work of the Order of Malta, serves to promote its Catholic values of preserving life, fostering peace, & bringing hope to those without a voice throughout the Holy Land.