COUNTRY VS. TOWN: JEANNE HENDRIE

JEANNE HENDRIE grew up in Grand Rapids, Michigan, surrounded by extended family and enjoying summers on Lake Michigan. Her parents are both from huge Irish Catholic families so there are always occasions to celebrate. “My mom is an incredible artist, and my dad does the NYT Saturday crossword without skipping clues,” she says. Jeanne considers herself lucky to remain close to her siblings and their families despite being scattered throughout the Midwest.

Jeanne, who always loved school, followed in her dad’s footsteps, and attended Notre Dame. Like many, she moved from South bend to Chicago after graduation to live with friends, wisely signing for an apartment before landing a job. While living in Lincoln Park, she received a Masters in Organizational and Multicultural Communication from DePaul University, which was put to good use fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois.

She and her husband, Andrew, met at the Old Town Art Fair. Jeanne calls him the grounding force to her whimsy. They bought a house in Lakeview and welcomed three kids who are, “funny and independent and loved ‘too much,’” as the youngest says. The couple built a house within walking distance of two dear friends in Hinsdale and moved in 2019.

Their life is crazy and wonderful. The family is always on the go—dinners, golf matches, baseball, gymnastics … the list goes on. There’s also a rewarding new role. “After nine years home with my kids, I went back to work this past spring. I received an offer to work for CASA of DuPage County, advocating for abused and neglected children. It was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up and I am so grateful I made the leap,” Jeanne says. Somehow, she found time to share some of her favorites with us.

Mantra? “Never replace happy with happier.” On your reading stack? My favorite book of the summer (perhaps of all-time) was Demon Copperhead by Barbara Kingsolver. I’m currently re-reading The Great Gatsby ahead of The Community House’s Roaring Holiday Ball! I’m also listening to The Covenant of Water by Abraham Varghese, but it is very, very long so it might be my only audiobook of the fall. What organizations do you support? For years I volunteered at The Community House’s after-school program in Willowbrook. The work they are doing to support families and invest in kids in the program is life changing. Beyond Willowbrook, The Community House is expanding their counseling services and focusing on their role as a hub for the community. I’m honored to serve on their board at this exciting time for them! Little Heroes League is another organization close to our hearts. Started by friends and inspired by their own experience, the organization supports babies born with multiple medical conditions by providing care coordination to assist both in-hospital and as kids head home. Little Heroes League first partnered with Lurie Children’s Hospital and the program has quickly expanded to four level IV NICU hospitals across the country. Andrew serves on their board, and I help to coordinate their annual golf outing. Additionally, we are a host family for Safe Families, caring for kids and offering short-term respite for parents who need a break. Not only do I love the missions of these organizations, but I love that I’ve met so many incredible people through my connections to them. Favorite workout? The Mirror. I do a quick work-out every morning. It’s not everything, but at least it’s something! Best grooming tip? Eyebrow tinting. I love make-up and am routinely trying new tricks. Guilty pleasure? Kohler Spa in Burr Ridge Meaningful holiday tradition? When my friend had her daughter 10 years ago, I started the tradition of gifting her a special Christmas ornament, something reflecting life of the past year. I start looking for the perfect ornament each fall. I now do the same for my kids so they will one day have a beautiful collection of ornaments and a lifetime of memories on the tree. Advice you would give to your younger self? Set an alarm. Write in a journal. Remember birthdays.

WHEN IN THE COUNTRY

Your style is? Ripped jeans and a sweatshirt Favorite walk? Fullersburg Woods, particularly this time of year! Can’t leave the house without? Sunglasses, YSL lipstick in Pink Celebration, and coffee! Place to celebrate? Champagne at RH. Sushi at Nabuki. Best thing about the country? Space! I love being in my house and looking out on trees and grass — kids running from yard to yard, houses decked out for the holidays, and the smell of bonfires. Worst thing about the country? There is nothing I don’t like about living in Hinsdale. I love it here! The perfect fall day is? 65 degrees. Early morning doughnuts from Kramer’s. Meet a friend at Toni’s for coffee in a real mug. Run to watch my son play flag football at The Community House and then drop my girls at BAM theatre. Stop into Anecdote in LaGrange to stock up on gifts. Cheer on the Irish. Enjoy a charcuterie board from Gone Grazy and wine on the patio with close friends.

WHEN IN TOWN

Your style is? When I go back to the city now, it’s usually for a special occasion so always heels + lashes. I’ll often add a blazer and a cross-body bag. Favorite walk? Southport Avenue. I lived in the city for 16 years and while the corridor has changed over time, I still love the shops, the restaurants, the vibe. Place to celebrate? Champagne at RL. Sushi at Momotaro. Best quick bite or hidden gem? The Loews Hotel has rooms offering a perfect view of the Navy Pier fireworks. It’s magical. Favorite festival or special event? Cubs games at Wrigley Field. Shop? I recently brought my daughters to Unicorn World in Water Tower. Literally every item in the store sparkles. They were in heaven. Best thing about town? The hustle and bustle. I loved sitting on the porch of our house in the city watching people come home from work, greeting neighbors. There is something inspiring about looking out and always seeing city lights on. Worst thing about town? Rats! I had one jump out of my stroller once … and, well, that was when we decided to move to Hinsdale.