Maxine R. Babington

Maxine R. Babington, 83, of Crystal Lake, Ill. died on Thursday, April 9, 2009.

She was born Oct. 30, 1925 to Howard and Agnes Kellar Reis. She was schooled in Macomb, Ill. and graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in teaching and English. Later in life she earned a masters degree in library science.

She married William Babington Jr. in 1945. Maxine and William began their life in the Macomb area and had three children, Bill, Susie and Patrick. They moved to Crystal Lake in 1968. Maxine's career as an educator spanned 40 years, many of those 40 years in district 47. She believed that all children had the ability to be successful learners and use "proper grammar."

Her friendships, love of golf, theatre, bridge, bunco and book groups, were a testament to her zest for life. Most important to her were the ladies of her St. Thomas prayer group.

Anchored in her faith, she spent much of her retired life serving others. Her warm-hearted spirit led her to volunteer with local entities including the Raue Center, Little Christopher's, the library of St. Thomas Church, Faith in Action, The Crystal Lake Food Pantry and the Friends of Crystal Lake library.

Maxine's grandchildren, Kyle, Kate, Jeff and Todd, were the light of her life. She followed their academic as well as athletic achievements and was known as "Grandma Babs" to many of their friends. Her loving and prudent ways profoundly touched many lives.

She is survived by her children William Babington and wife Pam of Crystal Lake, Susie Danielson and husband Kim of Poplar Grove, Ill. and Pat Babington and wife Cindy of Greencastle and grandchildren Jeff and Todd of Crystal Lake and Kyle and Kate of Greencastle.

She was preceded in death by her husband William F. Babington, parents Agnes and Howard Reis and brother James Reis.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday from 10am until the time of funeral mass at 11 a.m. at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 451 W. Terra Cotta Avenue. (Rte 176), Crystal Lake, IL 60014. Burial will be private.

A visitation was held on Monday at Davenport Family Funeral Home, 419 E. Terra Cotta Ave. (Rte 176), Crystal Lake, IL 60014.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association, 3816 Paysphere Circle, Chicago, IL 60674; Crystal Lake Food Pantry, 257 King Street, Crystal Lake, IL 60014; or St. Thomas the Apostle Church are greatly appreciated.

For information, contact the funeral home at 815-459-3411.