Babino

MRS. MARJORIE ELLEN BABINO (nee Firth) of Lethbridge, beloved wife of the late Philip Babino, passed away peacefully at the Chinook Regional Hospital on Tuesday, August 19, 2008 at the age of 84 years.

Marjorie was born on December 31, 1923, the tenth child of George and Lila Firth. George and Lila homesteaded in West Lethbridge moving to Innisfail in the early 1920's and Marjorie was born in Innisfail. At the age of 9 years Marjorie moved with her family back to Lethbridge where the Firth family continued to farm in west Lethbridge where the present day Father Leonard van Tighem School is now situated.

Marjorie attended school in Coalhurst. At the young age of 16 years Marjorie had to quit high school to help run the family farm, as all of her brothers were drafted to fight in the Second World War. During this time Marjorie met Philip Babino of Winnipeg, Manitoba, who was serving in the Air Force and stationed in Lethbridge. Marjorie and Philip were married on July 31, 1943 in Lethbridge.

Marjorie worked for many years in the fast food industry. She was the manager of the Red Grill at the Woolco store and many would remember the fabulous cheesecakes she baked for the store every morning.

Marjorie's life was her family. Marjorie loved her grandchildren with all her heart and they brought her tremendous joy. The grandchildren lined up for Gramma's gingerbread cookies. Marjorie loved to knit and crochet - knitting hundreds of baby blankets and afghans for her grandchildren and great grandchildren. Marjorie was an avid sewer and loved making dolls and stuffed toys for her grandchildren.

Marjorie is survived by her children Marlene (Herman) Kastner, Judy (Bryan) Magyar, Greg (Denise) Babino, Lorraine (Francis) deGroot, Dianne (Mark) Roberts; grandchildren Darryl (Lorraine) Kastner, Kevin (Piera) Kastner, Stacey Vammen (Gord Kettyle), Stephanie (Les) Wold, Kimberley (Rod) Malic, Melanie deGroot, Valerie (Tom) McLaren, Joey (Melissa) Roberts, Michael (Dee Anna) Roberts; 12 great grandchildren and one sister Margie (Donald) Groth of Portland, Oregon. Marjorie was predeceased by her loving husband Philip, parents, George and Lila Firth, brothers William Firth, George Firth, Leonard Firth, Roy Firth, Cliff Firth and sisters Margarite Firth, Evelyn Holt, Muriel Brown and Floss Stavert.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects between 7:00pm and 8:00pm on Sunday, August 24, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 - 4 Street South, Lethbridge, AB.

A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00pm on Monday, August 25, 2008 at MARTIN BROS. RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, with Pastor Wes Midgett and Mr. Jim Chapman officiating. Interment to follow in Mountain View Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Marjorie's memory to the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Alberta, #207, 542 - 7 Street South, Lethbridge, AB T1J 2H1 or to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 210D 12A Street North, Lethbridge, AB T1H 2J1.