It is with profound sadness that the family of Rosemary Babcock (McAvoy), a lifelong resident of Winthrop, announces her passing on February 27, 2022, at the age of 65. Rosemary was the beloved wife of Stephen M. Babcock. Born in Boston, she was the cherished daughter of the late Drs. Gerald F. and Evalyn R. (McIlhenny) McAvoy.
Rosie started working as a Nurse’s Aide at Winthrop Community Hospital (WCH) at the age of 14, where she found her calling. A 1974 graduate of Winthrop High School, she went on to graduate as an LPN from the Nursing School at the Chelsea Soldier’s Home. She was employed as a nurse at WCH for 17 years until its closure, and moved to extend her tender mercies at the Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Boston for the next 29 years, until her retirement on November 1, 2021. Rosie was endowed with a truly generous spirit, and a wicked and irreverent sense of humor, qualities that brought much joy to her friends, family and patients she served. In addition to her family and her work, she loved shopping, the beach, reading mysteries, a cigarette, a glass of white wine, and TAB. The world is a lesser place without her in it.
Rosie was the devoted mother of Brian J. Babcock and his wife Dyan of Winthrop, Brittany A. Wigdor and her husband Ryan of Wilmington and Janelle M. Babcock of South Boston. She was the adored grandmother of Catherine and Gregory Babcock and Riley Wigdor. Rosie was the dear sister of Gerald F. McAvoy (Terry) of Delmar, NY, Roger F. McAvoy of Danvers, John W. McAvoy (Laurie) of Milton, VT and Carolyn M. Fiore (Tom) of Lexington. Rosie is also survived by several in-laws, cousins, nieces, nephews and countless friends.
Visiting hours will be held in the Maurice W. Kirby Funeral Home, 210 Winthrop St., Winthrop on Saturday, March 5, from 9-11AM, followed by a funeral Mass in St. John the Evangelist Church-Winthrop at 11:30AM. Relatives and friends are invited. Donations in her memory can be made to a charity of your choice. Interment will follow in Winthrop Cemetery (Belle Isle Section).