Nina Virginia Babcock

Nina Virginia Babcock, age 95, passed away at home in Terre Haute, IN surrounded by her family on July 28, 2019. She was born June 14, 1924 in Twining, MI to Harry and Alice March. The family moved to Stanwood, WA when Nina was eight.  She graduated from Stanwood High School in 1940. Nina attended Washington State University and graduated in 1944 with a Bachelor of Arts in Home Economics. She earned a Master of Arts in Library Science in 1968 from Indiana State University. 
Nina worked for Vigo County School Corporation from 1965 to 1987. She began her career as a school librarian at Franklin Elementary School and advanced to the position of Library Supervisor. At the time of her retirement, she was the Supervisor of Reading Motivation and Parent Involvement in the Title 1 Program. During her career, Nina served as Second Vice President of the Indiana State Librarian’s Association. 
While at Washington State, Nina met the love of her life, William Edward Babcock. They were married January 26, 1945 and lived a full and happy life together for 72 years.  They made their home in Corvallis Oregon for 15 years and moved to Terre Haute, IN in 1963 where they lived until the end of their days.  Bill and Nina loved to dance, ski, and travel with friends and family. They were long time members of The Country Club of Terre Haute. Nina was also active in the Newcomers Club of Terre Haute and served as President in 1964. She was an accomplished seamstress and also enjoyed knitting and needlepoint.  Nina was a lifelong reader and was passionate about literacy. She was a founding member of The Friends of The Library.  Reading three newspapers and completing a crossword puzzle or two was a daily routine. 
Nina was predeceased by her husband, Bill in 2017. She leaves to cherish her memory her sister, Marian King, children, Robert E. Babcock (Rebecca) Port Lavaca, TX, Virginia A. Ware (Douglas) Chapel Hill, NC, Lora B. Mail (Rodney) Indianapolis, IN, and Thomas W. Babcock (Deborah) Fair Haven, NJ. Also surviving are 13 grandchildren: Jeffrey Babcock (Traci), Allison Babcock (David Nagle), Kara Shane (Robert), Jay Babcock (Stacy), Anna Marie Ware, Kristin Paine (William), Anne Mail, Ellen Mail (Josh Stoffel), Clare Mail (Michael Rardon), William Babcock (Katherine), Sarah Babcock, Ann Babcock, and Thomas Babcock.  In addition, she leaves five great grandchildren, Dimitri Babcock, Braxton Nagle, Parker Nagle, Robert Shane, Luke Babcock, and James Babcock. Nina was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Alice March, Brothers Alfred March, Hugh March, Wayne March, and her sister Pat Wagness. 
The family is grateful to those individuals whose compassionate care allowed the fulfillment of her wishes to remain at home.  
Mom, Grandma, Great Grandma, and Nina you were so much to so many. Thanks for all the fond memories that have helped us wash our grief away. 
 

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