Elizabeth Babine

MILLBURY - Elizabeth "Bette" J. (McKenna) Babine passed away peacefully on September 12th at the Beaumont Nursing home in Westboro where she resided during this past year.

Bette leaves behind five children: Robert D. Babine and his partner Judie Auger of Boston, Ma., Brian C. Babine, of Holden, Ma., Philip J. Babine and his wife Judi Babine of Southbridge, Ma., Elizabeth A. Knapp and her husband Michael Knapp of Southport N.C., and Suzanne C. Chlapowski of Millbury, Ma.  Bette also leaves behind seven grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.  Bette was predeceased by her parents: Charles and Mabel McKenna of Worcester, Ma., her sister Marie McKenna Davey of New Jersey, and her brother, Reverend John F. McKenna of Westminster, Ma.

Bette grew up in Worcester, Ma. on 14 Haynes St.  She graduated high school as the valedictorian of her class. Bette attended Our Lady of the Elms College in Chicopee, Ma. and was the salutatorian of her class.  After college, Bette became a Spanish teacher in the city of Boston where she taught for 44 years.  During this time, she lived in Northboro, Ma. where she raised her five children.  Although Bette was always involved in school projects, she spent her free time in New Hampshire boating on Lake Winnipesaukee.  She took her boat out each night to watch the sunset.

Upon retiring, she moved to Millbury and took up watercolor painting.  She was very active in Millbury with the Women’s Club, enjoyed Line Dancing, and was often seen at the Senior Center.  Bette loved to travel, and her favorite place was Paris where she studied at the Sorbonne.

Family and friends will celebrate Bette’s life with her Funeral Mass on Saturday, September 25th at 10:30 a.m. in St. Brigid Church, 59 N. Main Street in Millbury.  Burial will follow in West Millbury Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org/donate