Barbara M. Babcock

Barbara M. Babcock passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Monday, January 24, 2022, following a long illness.  She was 96 years old.

Born in Quincy, MA on May 20, 1925, the 5th child of Alice and James O’Connell, Barbara was the beloved wife of the late Raymond P. Babcock of Weymouth MA.   Barbara and Ray met as neighbors in Quincy, married following WWII, and eventually settled into a new home in Weymouth, where they raised 5 children and remained for 65 years.

Barbara was the devoted mother to Karl Babcock of Rockland, Laurie Babcock of Randolph, Gary Babcock of Weymouth, Lainie Flipp and her husband Brian of Weymouth, and Kathy Gordon and her husband Tom of Norwood.   Barbara was “Grammy” to 9 grandchildren, Joanne, Eric, Jonathan, Christopher, Thomas, Daniel, William, Joseph and Emily.  She was the great grandmother of Colleen, Chloe and Micah and is survived by many nieces, nephews and friends.

She was predeceased by her siblings, James O’Connell, William O’Connell, Alice Longabard, and Doris Blinn.

In her younger years, Barbara worked as a secretary at the Lincoln Stores in Quincy, where she developed friendships that lasted well into her 90s.   She served as a Girl Scout Leader,  volunteered at the Memorial School for Special Needs Children and the Dianne DeVanna Center, and was well known for her love of animals, rescuing dozens of stray cats over the years.   Barbara enjoyed spending time with her large circle of friends and was a member of the “Lofty Squares” in Weymouth, where she spent many weekend nights dressed up in her hand-made square-dancing outfits.   She was a talented seamstress and loved to crochet.  She made many quilts, afghans and baby blankets that are lovingly treasured by those she generously gifted them to.

Barbara was happiest spending time with her family and enjoyed trips to Cape Cod, Sanibel Island, Disney, California and Bermuda.

A kind and caring soul with a witty sense of humor, she touched many lives and will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Services will be private.  

Donations may be made in Barbara’s memory to the South Shore Humane Society.