Obituary of Shirley Babcock

Shirley A. Babcock, 86, a 45-year local resident, died Tuesday, February 24, 2009 at home after a battle with breast cancer. Mrs. Babcock was born September 7, 1922 in Saegertown, PA. The second oldest of nine children, she graduated from Saegertown High School and went on to do accounting work for the family dry cleaning / furrier business. On February 9, 1952, she married Kenneth F. Babcock of Middletown, NY. After the birth of their daughter Suzanne in 1961, they settled in Poughkeepsie, NY in 1963. Mrs. Babcock was the current Vice President of the Dutchess Garden Study Club, having served as President from 1987-1989. She had a passion for flower arranging and spent hours developing her skills. Mrs. Babcock was also Treasurer of the Friends of the Hudson Valley Philharmonic for nearly 40 years. She worked annually to help organize the Hudson Valley Philharmonic String Competition held each spring along with the annual fundraising luncheon held to benefit the competition. Mrs. Babcock was self-employed as an accountant and kept the books for several small businesses over the years. Ms. Babcock is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Czerwinski and her husband, David of Burlington, CT; brother, William Bloom of Rockville, MD; brother, Robert Bloom of Mechanicsburg, PA; brother, Harold Bloom of Richmond, VA; brother, Gerald Bloom of Meadville, PA; and grandchildren Eric, Kelley and Marcie Czerwinski. Calling hours will be held Friday, February 27, 2009 from 5 pm to 8 pm at the Timothy P. Doyle Funeral Home, Inc., 371 Hooker Ave, Poughkeepsie, NY.