Mary Elizabeth Gardipee Babcock, 73, Green Bay, formerly of Oconto, died Wednesday, April 25, 2012, after a long battle with cancer. Mary was born Aug. 12, 1938, in Waukesha, to Joseph and Mary Elizabeth (Holl) Babcock. She enjoyed crocheting, gardening, fishing, bike riding, and working on puzzles. Mary was a wonderful grandmother who was always there. She put aside her “Golden Years” to help raise her grandchildren. Mary spent many hours teaching Becky to bake.

Survivors include three children, Donald Gardipee, Chuck Gardipee and his wife, Dawn, Adrian “Buddy” Gardipee and his significant other, Kim Selson; a son-in-law, David Steeno; 15 grandchildren, Evelyn, Amanda, Ericka, Trisha, Jessica, Tabitha, Rebecca Jo “Becky”, Lisa, James, R.J., David, Josh, Charity, Marybeth, Jonathon; many great-grandchildren; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Ann Wolenhof, Josephine and Jerry Warnacke; and a brother, Charles Babcock.

Mary was preceded in death by three children, David Gardipee, Mary Steeno, Donna Gardipee; a grandson, Charles Gardipee, Jr.; and a great-granddaughter, Macey.

Friends may call at Blaney Funeral Home, 1521 Shawano Ave., from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. The Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Woodlawn Cemetery. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

The family would like to extend their thanks to Judy her nurse at ManorCare-West for the awesome care and love she gave to Mary, and to Dr. Winkler, and the staff of Blaney Funeral Home.

To my loving grandma,
May you enjoy your eternity in God’s loving meadow where the flowers are always blooming, birds are always singing, and the sun is always shining. I love you always and forever. Wait for me beneath the willow.
Love you always,
Becky