Lillian Rita Babinec

BABINEC “Lillian Rita Babinec, age 86 of Albuquerque, passed away on August 18, 2010 at Wellesley Care Home. Born on September 6, 1923 in Webster, Massachusetts to Robert and Eva Lubecki Prendergast, she received her schooling there and in New Jersey. During World War II, she worked for the war effort in an airfield in New York, retrieving the weather reports and delivering them to pilots. Many young pilots received their early training at this facility. Her future husband, George Babinec, came to take pilot training after being discharged from the Army and their love began. They were married in 1946 and had two sons, Richard and Robert. Mr. Babinec died in 1967, leaving Lillian with one teenage son at home. She spent many years working for J.C. Penney in the drapery department. In 1991 she moved to Albuquerque, and until her illness six years ago, was an active member of the Writer’s Class at Highland Senior Center where she became a prolific Poetry Writer. Adults as well as children have enjoyed her funny and inspirational poems over the years. Lillian is survived by her sons, Richard of Albuquerque, and Robert, of New York, brother, Michael Prendergast of Albuquerque and a godchild, Heidi Nale of New York, and several nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a sister Ramona Phelps and a very special nephew Chris Phelps, who cared for her until his untimely death at the age of 53. She will be greatly missed by the members of the Writer’s class and close friends, Mr. and Mrs. Hesse of New York and local friends, Ms. Holmer, Ms. Cordova, Ms. Hoppe and Ms. Czerner. Cremation has taken place. Inurnment, Long Island National Cemetery, Long Island, NY, where her ashes will be buried with her husband, Rev. Martin Nale, Officiant. Special thanks to Sandra Green, Michelle Reeves and staff as well as Hospice de la Luz, who have cared for Lillian during her last years. A memorial service will be held at Encino Gardens in Albuquerque at a later date. Lillian’s care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 7601 Wyoming Blvd, NE Albuquerque, NM 87109 (505) 821-0010