Beatrice Catherine (Burke) Babbidge, 70 WESTBROOK -- Bea Babbidge, 70, of Westbrook, passed away peacefully Oct. 29, 2008, at Springbrook Residential care Facility in Westbrook. She was born in Oakland on Jan. 9, 1938, the eldest daughter of the late Harold and Clarice (Parlin) Burke. She resided there as a small child until she moved to Westbrook with her family. Bea attended local schools and graduated from Westbrook High School. Bea was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. She was the beloved wife of Burton Babbidge Sr. They married on Oct. 29, 1960; they shared 39 years together. Bea went to work for John Martins' grocery store where she was a meat wrapper. She found her calling as a local caterer. After Burt's passing in 1999 she took over his duties has hall rental manager at the Manchester Legion hall in Westbrook. Whether cooking for the Legionnaires, Rotarians, Masons, Shriners or private functions, she always went above and beyond to ensure a good meal for everyone. Bea loved to entertain for family and friends inside her home or 'out back' poolside. She enjoyed being surrounded by people and sharing her love for food and laughter with them. Bea is predeceased by her husband Burton in 1999. Survivors include two sons, Burton Jr. and his wife Terri of Limington, and Evangelist Bruce A. Babbidge of Portland. She has three grandsons, Nicholas of Limington and Brandon and Bryce of Windham; a younger sister Janice and her husband James Stremell; along with a nephew and two nieces all from the Galesburg, Ill. area. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Gene Larrivee for all he did for Bea later on in life. Also a heartfelt gratitude to the staff at Springbrook alongside with Beacon Hospice for all they did to assist in Bea's peaceful passing. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Woodlawn Cemetery in Westbrook. Please visit legacy.com to view Bea's memorial website.



Published in the Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram on 11/2/2008