Zein M. Bertacchi

Zein M. Bertacchi, 79, of Barrington Hills, passed away peacefully on June 30, 2026.

Born on January 21, 1947, in Jaffa, Palestine, Zein was the daughter of Bishara and Blanche (Haddad) Tannous. At just 16 years old, she came to the United States to pursue her education. She earned a bachelor's degree in microbiology from Villa Madonna College in Kentucky before receiving her master's degree in epidemiology from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio.

While living in Cincinnati, Zein met the love of her life, Roy Bertacchi, at his coffee shop, La Galleria. Their love story began over espresso, long before espresso became popular. They were engaged after six months and married six months later on September 29, 1973, beginning a beautiful marriage that spanned more than five decades.

Zein worked at Christ Hospital in Cincinnati while she and Roy started their family. In 1988, they moved with their two daughters to the Chicago area, where they continued building a life centered on family, faith, friendship, and hospitality.

Zein had a gift for making people feel seen and loved. She welcomed everyone as though they were already part of the family and had a way of making each person feel like the most important one in the room. She was vibrant, energetic, endlessly positive, and lived each day to the fullest. Her generous spirit shone brightly through her charity work, whether she was bringing falafel to Chess Without Borders or opening her own home. A wonderful cook, she was well known for the incredible meals she lovingly prepared, bringing family and friends together around her table.

Known affectionately as the "Hip and fun Teta" by her grandchildren, Zein embraced life with enthusiasm. She loved Jazzercise, traveling, animals, and cherishing time with her family and friends. She and Roy especially treasured their trips to Costa Rica, spending four wonderful weeks there this past February in what had become their favorite place. Above all, Zein was faithful, loyal, compassionate, and devoted to her family. Her joyful spirit and generous heart left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Zein is survived by her beloved husband of 52 years, Roy; her daughters, Dina (Dave) Sulkin and Zeana (Scott) McMillen; her cherished grandchildren, Braydon, Siena, Amaya, Reagan, Reese, and Elise; her sisters, Rima and Huda; her brother, Sami; and her beloved dogs, Remi and Tyler.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, Nadeem.

Visitation will be held Monday, July 6, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Davenport Family Funeral Home and Crematory, 149 W. Main St. (Lake-Cook Rd.), Barrington.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Tuesday, July 7, at 10:30 a.m., with visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m., at St. Anne Catholic Church, 120 Ela St., Barrington. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial in Zein's name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.