Norma Marian (Washmuth) Babcock
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, Norma Marian (Washmuth) Babcock, on November 4, 2024, at the age of 100.
Born in Marion, Indiana, her father a public-school teacher for several years, became a Methodist Church pastor when she was four years old, traveling between 4-5 churches each week and moving their residence north, from state to state every couple of years. It was a difficult challenge for her mom, Goldie; and her two sisters: Mary and Irma (all departed) to start over every two years. Beginning in several different cities in Indiana, they then moved to Scotts, MI; then Sheridan, MI; then Gladwin, MI, where mom graduated from high school.
She then graduated from Bay City Business College, before beginning to work as a legal secretary for The Dow Chemical Company, during World War II, in their Patent Department. After several years there, she had an opportunity to work for Alden B. Dow, the outstanding architect, and was his personal secretary for 19 years, her dream job. Married in 1946 to Derald Justin Babcock (deceased in 1990), they had a son, James Babcock; and a daughter, Connie Jo Babcock (deceased in 2018). Living in Midland, then in Auburn, MI, then in Jackson, MI, where she worked at several different secretarial jobs, including Consumers Power.
Something was always new and in blossom at the house, and homemade soups, pies and cakes all decorated for birthdays were a specialty. She gave of her time and charity as she could to the Methodist Church, and it offered her the solace of comfort, friendship and hope as she enjoyed her later years at Vista Grand Villas. Outgoing, comforting, understanding, friendly and always with a story to the end, she will be dearly missed. Her secret to longevity, was always, “Just keep moving!”
She is survived by her son, James, and his wife, Mary Babcock; grandchildren: Kristine (Dennis) Beedle, Christopher (Rachel) Babcock; and great grandchildren: Naia and Caiden.
A private graveside prayer service is planned at Ridge Cemetery in Gladwin, MI, for the family.