Maureen Babiarz Obituary

Maureen (McKenna) Babiarz, passed away peacefully at home on Sunday, May 7, 2023 after a valiant fight with cancer. Maureen was born on January 25, 1946 in Poughkeepsie, NY, to Catherine Dykas McKenna and James "Buddy" McKenna. The youngest of three, she had an idyllic childhood, making mud pies and playing with her cousins. Maureen attended St. Joseph's Parochial School, Our Lady of Lourdes High School, and was the first in her family to receive a Bachelor's degree, from Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY. Maureen first worked as an elementary teacher in Irvington, NY, and then went on to work in the Dutchess County Personnel Department for 40 years, only retiring to help take care of her grandchildren. Her drive to be of service, and love for the Roman Catholic faith, led her to become a CCD coordinator for over 20 years, at both St. Joseph's Church in Poughkeepsie and St. Peter's Church in Hyde Park, where she faithfully served until her last weeks. Maureen is predeceased by her beloved husband, Leonard J. Babiarz. Their love story famously began when Len's aunt, Betty Babiarz, could no longer be his partner on a bowling team that included Maureen's sister, Joan, and brother-in-law, John. Maureen stepped in, despite her bowling talent, and they fell in love. They were married at St. Joseph's Church in Poughkeepsie, and truly exemplified the meaning of marriage for 45 years, until Len's death in 2020; a love based in faith, family, and friendship. Along with her beloved, Maureen is predeceased by: Catherine "Kit" Dykas McKenna, James "Buddy" McKenna, Joan McKinstry, Peter J. McKenna, James P. McKenna, and Peter J. McKenna III. Her legacy is continued through her children: Teresa (Peter) Hansen, Raymond (Megan Ercole) Babiarz, Elizabeth (Ron) Winnegar, Josephine (Peter) Bertucci, Christopher (Andrea) Babiarz, and Mary (George) Pickel. She will forever be adored by her grandchildren: Christian Hansen, Jack Hansen, Sofia Hansen, Reilly Winnegar, Carter Winnegar, Eleanor Bertucci, Joan Bertucci, Kara VanDeWater, Emma Pickel, George Pickel, Brooke Ercole, and Heidi Ercole. She is also survived by her beloved sister-in-laws, Theresa McKenna, and Georgine Shook, as well as nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews: Colleen (Ray) McKenna, Eileen (Scott) Tucker, Peter J. (Diane) McKenna II, Maureen (Duane) Byrum, Patrick McKinstry, JR Shook, and Melissa Shook, Madison McKenna, James P. McKenna III, McKenna Tucker, Mary Catherine Tucker, Michael Ryan, Alex Byrum, and Zachary Byrum. Maureen loved her family, gardening, traveling, and coffee. Hers was a life lived like an apostle; never missing an opportunity to help someone connect with God's love. She will be remembered by her family as the rock that led them through many troubling times, with grace and unfailing faith. Her legacy of light will live on through her loved ones, whose hearts are forever engraved with her example. In lieu of flowers, please consider treating a family member to a cup of coffee, in honor of Maureen. Together, share stories that bring you joy. Visitation will be Wednesday, May 10, 2023 6-8PM at the Wm. G. Miller & Son FH, Inc. , 371 Hooker Ave. , Poughkeepsie, NY 12603. A Mass of Christian Burial will be Thursday, May 11, 2023 at 9:45AM at Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel of St. Peter's Cemetery, 185 Hudson View Dr. , Poughkeepsie, NY 12601. Burial will follow in St. Joseph's Cemetery, Poughkeepsie, NY. If you wish to send an online condolence please visit our website at www. wmgmillerfuneralhome. com