Obituary of Frances R. Babcock

Frances Ridge Babcock (Billie), of Glastonbury, died peacefully in her sleep, on October 9, 2021, at her home in Glastonbury.  She was predeceased by her husband, Jim, who passed away two months earlier, on August 1^st. They were married for 72 years.

Born March 25, 1926 in Greenville, Pennsylvania, to Leila Hum Ridge and Reginald Ridge, Billie was the loving and loved wife of Jim (James W.) Babcock, and mother of Reginald (Reg) Babcock and James (Jay) Babcock, both of Glastonbury.  She was predeceased by her brother, Samuel Ridge.

Billie met Jim while attending Pembroke College/Brown University.  They married shortly after graduation and started a family.  Billie has called Glastonbury her home since moving here from northern Virginia with her young family in 1963.  Her sons raised their families in Glastonbury.  Each grandchild followed their passions and paths as they established homes of their own selection around New England and Colorado.  They always kept Grammie close in their hearts and never missed Christmas dinner with all the traditions around her and Poppy’s table.

Billie greeted everyone with her beautiful smile right up until she fell asleep one last time.  She was a very supportive wife and mother, and learned to play golf, ski and sail with her family and friends, all while feeding and encouraging us all.  She will be remembered by her hand-knitted socks and afghans, beautiful portraits and paintings, and her culinary talents and creations.    

While Billie’s life was dedicated to family, she did have a brief career as a stewardess for Pan Am, and later, as a travel agent at Holidays Unlimited in South Glastonbury that she owned with her brother, Sam Ridge.  Both of these positions afforded her multiple opportunities to travel.  Billie’s list of destinations covers the globe from New England to South Africa, Europe, China, South America and more, all places she experienced with friends, family and, of course, Jim.

Billie leaves her son Reg and his wife Lyn, son Jay and his wife Virginia, grandchildren Katie, Jamie and Nat (Reg and Lyn) and Christine and Charlie (Jay and Virginia).  More recent additions to her family include her treasured great grandchildren, Cara, Eddie, Samuel, and Hannah.  They each held a very special place in Billie’s heart.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Episcopal Church, 2584 Main St., Glastonbury, at 10:00 AM, October 19, 2021, followed by coffee and sweets at the church.  A private burial will be held following the celebration.  Memorial donations may be made to St. James Episcopal Church.