Josephine “Joyce” Bab

Born: 7/6/1931
Died: 1/29/2013

Mrs. Josephine Joyce Bab, age 81, of Hockessin, DE, formerly of Newark, passed away on Tuesday, January 29, 2013.
Mrs. Bab was born in New York City on July 6, 1931, daughter of the late Louis Zehner and Helen McCloskey Zehner, and was raised in Flushing, Queens. A gifted student, she studied at the College of New Rochelle and would go on to receive both her bachelor’s and master’s degree in education. In Delaware, Mrs. Bab made her career as an educator in the Christina School District, beginning in the English department at Newark High School. She later taught English at Christiana High School and then Kirk Middle School, where she retired after 15 years of caring and dedicated service to the students of the district.
A true leader in her community, Mrs. Bab generously shared her talents as a volunteer with the Newark Free Library and Delaware Hospice for many years. She was especially active in administration and support at the Thomas More Oratory, where she was also a parishioner.
In her leisure hours, Mrs. Bab enjoyed reading, gardening, solving crossword puzzles, playing bridge with friends, and taking aquasize courses at the Western YMCA. She was also a knowledgeable backyard bird enthusiast.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 35 years, Hellmut F. “Hank” Bab, in 1993. She is survived by her children, Allison L. McMahon and husband Tom, Louis W. Bab and wife Melissa, and Karen Bab Rosan and husband Jon; grandchildren, Joy, Katie, Sophie, Zach, Sarah, Amanda Mahaley, and Alexis Goines and husband Salvadore; and great grandson, Salvadore Goines.
Visitation will be held from 5 pm to 7 pm on Tuesday, February 5th, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 121 W. Park Place, Newark. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 am on Wednesday, February 6th, at Thomas More Oratory, 45 Lovett Avenue, Newark. Interment will follow in Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 2465 Chesapeake City Road, Bear.