With her children at her side, Michele Marye Babu, 72, passed away peacefully Friday at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints Medical Center. She was born in Fall River, MA on July 2, 1943. She was the daughter of the late Felix and Estelle (Nee: Horyza) Mankowski.
Michele graduated from Washington Park High School “Class of 1961” and went on to earn a degree in mathematics at U.W. Madison. It was at the University that she met M. Sathya Babu and on Apr. 20, 1969 in Varkala, India they were united in marriage. To this union were born two children Darryl and Nadine. Michele was a dedicated mother who was active in the Parent Teachers Association at Washington Park High School, served as a Girl Scout Troop Leader, and volunteered with Racine Area Soccer Association, The Prairie School and at the YWCA.
She enjoyed cooking, exploring new restaurants, travel, attending the foreign film series at UW – Parkside, and making flower arrangements for loved ones. No one brought greater joy to her than her grandchildren, who she’s often played games and did crafts and projects with. She was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother who will be dearly missed.
She is survived by her children, Darryl (Akemi) Babu of Racine, Nadine Babu of Minneapolis, MN; grandchildren, Sebastian and Chloe; her brother, Thomas Mankowski (Barb) of Aurora, CO; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, M. Nalinam , M.Bhasuran, M.Geetha , M.Aruna , M.Anitha; nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear friends. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband Sathya, January 2, 2004.
Funeral services will be held at the funeral home, Saturday at 11 a.m. Relatives and friends will have visitation Friday from 4 – 6:30 p.m. and on Saturday 10 a.m. until time of service. In lieu of flowers, memorials to The Prairie School or The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (http://events.lls.org/pages/mn/babu) have been suggested.
The family wishes to extend a special thank you to DaVita Dialysis, the doctors, nurses and staff at Wheaton Franciscan All Saints for their loving and compassionate care.
