Forever in our hearts, we mourn the passing of Mary Elizabeth Babcock at Vancouver General Hospital on Mother’s Day, May 10, 2026, at the age of 60. Born on July 14, 1965, in Port Arthur, Ontario, to John and Joan Babcock (née Leers), Mary was the third of four children and grew up with an open accepting heart, devoted to her family, friends, learning, and community.
Always outgoing with a ready smile, Mary easily made many life-long friends. With her compassion for people and love for mathematics, teaching was an easy choice. Mary earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, a Bachelor of Education, and later a Master of Education. She began her teaching career at Pinetree Secondary School in Coquitlam where she remained for 25 rewarding years, finally retiring in August of 2024. She was known for her devoted and caring approach, especially with those challenged in math.
In the late 1980’s, Mary met Howard the love of her life through mutual friends. They married in Vancouver on the 21st of May 1994 and during those early years of their relationship focused on making a home and developing their professions while keeping family and friends close. Mary’s passion was travel, socializing with friends and activities including skiing, hockey, golfing, hiking, biking, and fitness.
The birth of their children, Sarah in 2001, and Ethan in 2003 enhanced their active lives with the addition of youth sports, coaching, boating, camping, and family destinations.
Mary’s greatest joy was being part of a loving family and surrounded by friends. Her door was always open and welcoming to all, where she created a home filled with love and laughter. Mary enjoyed playing fun competitive games, especially cards, reading a good book, and sharing a
glass of wine with her friends. She took great pleasure in gift shopping for family and friends (and yes, she would pick out just the odd thing for herself!) and would unfailingly select the perfect item for each person.
Mary faced her battle against Leukemia with unwavering courage and grace, determined to beat the odds. The support she received from family, friends and neighbours was touching and will always be remembered. We would like to sincerely thank everyone for their kindness and generosity, especially those at the VGH BMT unit and Dr. Song.
Mary is survived by her husband, Howard, and children Sarah and Ethan. She is also survived by her mother, Joan Babcock; sister Cathleen (Derek) Duffy and their son Elijah (Lily); brothers James (Laura) Babcock and their children Claire and Alana, and John Babcock; sister-in-law Lorraine (Don) Merkel; brother-in-law Ken Smith (Elisa Jordan) and their children MacGregor and Ronan; colleagues from her professional life and her many precious friends and neighbours.
Mary is pre-deceased by her father, John Norman Babcock; her grandparents George and Elizabeth (Morton) Babcock, and Louis and Florence (Penkul) Leers; and her in-laws, Ken, and Phyllis (Larkin) Smith. Cremation and a private internment service have taken place.
In Mary’s memory, the family is committed to raising money in her name in the fight
to cure blood cancers. If you would like to participate, please make a donation by following this link: http://secure.llscanada.org/goto/MarysArmy
