Obituary for GLORIA ELAINE BABCOCK (Saari)
Gloria Elaine Babcock, 79, of Chocolay Township and former Negaunee resident, passed away peacefully in the care of her loving family and caregivers from UP Home Health and Hospice early Wednesday morning, June 19, 2019 at the Eastwood Nursing Center following a long and courageous battle with Lewy Bodies Dementia.
Gloria was born February 17, 1940 in Ishpeming to Carl and Violet (Hautala) Saari, graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1958, and was a lifelong area resident. Following graduation, she married Charles ‘Chuck’ Babcock on August 30, 1958 and together they raised four children.
Gloria was employed for many years as a nurse’s and physical therapist aide. She began her career at Acocks Medical Facility and then worked at Bell Memorial and Marquette General Hospitals before retiring from Marquette County Medical Care Facility.
Following retirement, Gloria and Chuck enjoyed wintering for 23 years in Apache Junction, Arizona. She also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, dancing on ‘Finland Calling,’ and was an outstanding cook and baker. More than anything, Gloria loved spending time with her family.
Surviving are her loving husband, Chuck; two sons, Dennis Babcock of Ishpeming and Greg (Teri) Babcock of Suomi Location; daughter, Peggy Seaver of Harvey; sister, Jean (Donald) Luokkala of Negaunee; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Gary Babcock in 2017.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Monday, June 24th at Koskey Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Larsen, Pastor of Marquette Church of Christ, officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to services at 11:30 am, and also at a luncheon reception at the Negaunee Township Hall. Burial will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Mrs. Babcock’s memory to UP Home Health and Hospice.
Gloria’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.
Gloria was born February 17, 1940 in Ishpeming to Carl and Violet (Hautala) Saari, graduated from Negaunee High School, Class of 1958, and was a lifelong area resident. Following graduation, she married Charles ‘Chuck’ Babcock on August 30, 1958 and together they raised four children.
Gloria was employed for many years as a nurse’s and physical therapist aide. She began her career at Acocks Medical Facility and then worked at Bell Memorial and Marquette General Hospitals before retiring from Marquette County Medical Care Facility.
Following retirement, Gloria and Chuck enjoyed wintering for 23 years in Apache Junction, Arizona. She also enjoyed gardening, crocheting, dancing on ‘Finland Calling,’ and was an outstanding cook and baker. More than anything, Gloria loved spending time with her family.
Surviving are her loving husband, Chuck; two sons, Dennis Babcock of Ishpeming and Greg (Teri) Babcock of Suomi Location; daughter, Peggy Seaver of Harvey; sister, Jean (Donald) Luokkala of Negaunee; ten grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents and her son Gary Babcock in 2017.
Funeral services will be held at 11:30 am on Monday, June 24th at Koskey Funeral Home with Rev. Jim Larsen, Pastor of Marquette Church of Christ, officiating. The family will greet relatives and friends at the funeral home for one hour prior to services at 11:30 am, and also at a luncheon reception at the Negaunee Township Hall. Burial will take place at Northland Chapel Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed in Mrs. Babcock’s memory to UP Home Health and Hospice.
Gloria’s memorial page may be viewed at koskeyfuneralhome.com.