MADISON - Mary Babula, age 65 of Madison, passed away at Meriter Hospital on Dec. 3, 2015.
Mary was born, June 5, 1950 to Miriam and Walter Babula. She lived in Crandon and Wausaukee until age 10 when her family moved to Monroe. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1968, attended UW Madison earning a degree in Social Work and later a graduate degree in Adult Education. Her career in early childhood education began as a teacher/director at Christian Day Care Center in Madison in the 1970's. Later she became the director of Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (W.E.C.A.) which grew under her leadership. Mary was an advocate for children's and teacher's rights. She challenged law makers and modeled patience and understanding for all.
She is survived by her domestic partner Mary Mastaglio, mother Miriam Babula, Monroe, sisters: Jeanne Babula (Kent Pieper) Monroe, Elizabeth Merry (Andy), Antigo, and Amy Babula (Clyde Drake) Stoughton, nieces: Anna Merry, Emily Merry, Heather Drake, aunts Carol, Elysa, and Margie as well as many cousins and many Mastaglio-in-laws, friends and colleagues.
Mary was active in many groups including Womonsong, Friendship Force, and Wisconsin Womens Network. She loved traveling, camping and canoeing, visiting the Boundary Waters and many other wildlife and natural areas. Mary was an avid birder with an "eagle eye". She loved biking, hiking, swimming, snowshoeing, and skiing. Other activities included reading, knitting, watching the Packers and playing games and pinochle with friends.
Mary was a rare and fiery gem. We will miss her physical presence but her spirit will shine on in all of us.
Hail Mary!
Her family thanks the incredible staff at Meriter Hospital who cared for her lovingly, especially Dr. J. Arbuckle, her wound care nurse Sue Reese, and friend Claire Kircher.
Visitation will be held at HOLY WISDOM MONASTERY, 4200 County Rd. M, Middleton on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a Celebration of Mary's Life beginning at 11 a.m. A light lunch will follow.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wisconsin Early Childhood Association and/or Goodman Community Center and/or Wisconsin Public Radio.
All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services
Madison (608)442-0477
www.866allfaiths.com
Mary was born, June 5, 1950 to Miriam and Walter Babula. She lived in Crandon and Wausaukee until age 10 when her family moved to Monroe. She graduated from Monroe High School in 1968, attended UW Madison earning a degree in Social Work and later a graduate degree in Adult Education. Her career in early childhood education began as a teacher/director at Christian Day Care Center in Madison in the 1970's. Later she became the director of Wisconsin Early Childhood Association (W.E.C.A.) which grew under her leadership. Mary was an advocate for children's and teacher's rights. She challenged law makers and modeled patience and understanding for all.
She is survived by her domestic partner Mary Mastaglio, mother Miriam Babula, Monroe, sisters: Jeanne Babula (Kent Pieper) Monroe, Elizabeth Merry (Andy), Antigo, and Amy Babula (Clyde Drake) Stoughton, nieces: Anna Merry, Emily Merry, Heather Drake, aunts Carol, Elysa, and Margie as well as many cousins and many Mastaglio-in-laws, friends and colleagues.
Mary was active in many groups including Womonsong, Friendship Force, and Wisconsin Womens Network. She loved traveling, camping and canoeing, visiting the Boundary Waters and many other wildlife and natural areas. Mary was an avid birder with an "eagle eye". She loved biking, hiking, swimming, snowshoeing, and skiing. Other activities included reading, knitting, watching the Packers and playing games and pinochle with friends.
Mary was a rare and fiery gem. We will miss her physical presence but her spirit will shine on in all of us.
Hail Mary!
Her family thanks the incredible staff at Meriter Hospital who cared for her lovingly, especially Dr. J. Arbuckle, her wound care nurse Sue Reese, and friend Claire Kircher.
Visitation will be held at HOLY WISDOM MONASTERY, 4200 County Rd. M, Middleton on Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2015 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and again on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. with a Celebration of Mary's Life beginning at 11 a.m. A light lunch will follow.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Wisconsin Early Childhood Association and/or Goodman Community Center and/or Wisconsin Public Radio.
All Faiths Funeral & Cremation Services
Madison (608)442-0477
www.866allfaiths.com