BABEY, LaDonna Noreen Babey

She  was born to American parents on August 15, 1935. She grew up in Seattle, Washington, until the age of 13, when she moved to Vancouver, British Columbia, to live with her grandparents and attend King Edward High School. There, she met her first husband, Leon Herman, with whom she had three children: Linda, Laureen, and David.

Later, LaDonna married Mike Babey, whom she had known since she was 12 years old. Together, they blended their families, and Mike’s children, Michael and Benn, gained siblings. Grandchildren followed: Linda’s children, Ashley and Chelsea; Laureen’s children, Carly and Tyler; and Benn’s children, Chris and Nicole. LaDonna was blessed with four grandchildren—Ashley, Chelsea, Carly, and Tyler—and five great-grandchildren: Alexander, Charles, Oswald, Isabella, and Ridley.

LaDonna was predeceased by her beloved husband, Mike Babey, in 2005, and by her son, David Allan Herman, in 2011.

She loved to travel, and she and Mike explored the world extensively together. LaDonna enjoyed her career as a secretary and receptionist, but she especially cherished time spent at her vacation homes in Yuma, Arizona, and Birch Bay, Washington, where she created many treasured memories with her grandchildren.

LaDonna formed numerous friendships throughout her life, drawn to her by her kind nature and wonderful sense of humour. She lived with Alzheimer’s disease for the past 17 years and passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 90. As a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she will be deeply loved and immensely missed.

From Ashley (granddaughter)

When I think of my grandma…I think of the first time my Grandma and Grandpa took care of me when my mom and dad went to Hawaii and left me with them for their first holiday. Now my grandparents lived in Grouse Woods, a very dense, foresty area at the bottom of Grouse mountain. I was maybe 2 years old so this will be a recollection of the story my mom liked to tell….but my mom remembers my grandma telling her a new mom…”why would you send Ashley to the woods with sundresses?!”… and immediately took me down the hill to Zeller’s and bought me my first pair of jeans and I have not stopped wearing jeans for about 40 years now. I think of all the special baking that she made for me with my food allergy, nobody’s been able to recreate it ever. Even the exact same recipe was still better when my grandma made it for me. And when I moved in with her at about 25 years old that was the one thing that I was really looking forward to, little did I know it was going to be me having the tables turned…baking, cooking, doing the laundry, and I absolutely loved it. I loved coming home to Grandma everyday. Some days were really hard, but most days were magical because I was with my favourite person…but the woman that was in there with just as much gusto as ever and even with what she was going through…. she still somehow made it funny to say she wished we lived on a higher floor so she could throw me off the balcony! But there was one more memory I wanted to add in that was probably one of the most special times where I just sat in the living room with my grandma and grandpa, the love of her life, and listened as they told stories about how they met in the record store for the second time, how they finally got their date, and obviously as always should have been eventually married. You were very lucky to know my grandma and be a part of her life. it may seem dark, but I can’t wait till we meet again. I LOVE YOU MORE THAN ANYTHING GRANDMA.

From Chelsea (granddaughter)

LaDonna, truly the best grandma in the world.

Grandma never missed a moment in my formative years. Whether it was a dance recital, a sports game, or any small event in between, she and Grandpa Mike were always in the stands – smiling, cheering, and beaming with pride. Their unwavering support shaped my life in ways I will carry forever.

Some of my fondest memories come from her kitchen, where the smell of homemade bread filled the house and her laughter was often joined by Grandpa’s. The two of them laughing together, side by side, was the true epitome of lifelong love.

I can remember fondly slipping into her closet as a young girl, discovering that half her wardrobe still had tags on them. She loved to shop, loved to look her best, and in my eyes, she was the most beautiful five-foot lady the world had ever known. I can remember her taking me to hit up the latest sample shoe sale – tiny feet, the perfect size. Grandma always saw this as a win.

Summer days and nights spent in Birch Bay are among my most unforgettable memories. Whether we were riding bikes around the park, enjoying the lunches she prepared, or playing endless games of Skip-Bo, Grandma was always there, making sure our summer breaks were full of fun.

Though my heart aches, I find comfort in the love she gave so freely and the example she set for me. Her legacy lives on in my memories, and the countless moments she made special simply by being there.

Grandma, thank you for the love, laughter, and unwavering support. Please give grandpa a giant hug for me – you will be missed and forever treasured.

From Carly (granddaughter)

When I think about my childhood, especially my summers, I always think of Grandma. Even though we lived a whole province away, she was still such a huge part of our lives. My brother and I spent every single summer with her, she was part of everything we did, and made sure we had the best times.

Birch Bay was the best of all – we basically had the freedom to do anything. Going to the beach, grabbing ice cream, the water slides, the go-karts, the outdoor pool, bonfires at the beach, bike rides … those were the days that I will always remember.

She was truly amazing, and I couldn’t have asked for a better person to grow up with. I’ll always hold those memories close. I love you grandma, you are so very special, and I was so very lucky that I had you as my Grandma. I’ll miss you.

From Tyler (grandson)

My Grandma was a lovely, warm, wonderful little lady. She was a gentle, very loving, sweet person. As grandchildren she always made us feel like the centre of her universe. Spending time with her and our Grandpa in the summers was something I really looked forward to.

Freshly baked bread with homemade blackberry jam brings back fond memories with my Grandma. As a grandson, I quickly learned from my Grandpa how to get on Grandma’s nerves. We spent our summers with them at their summer home in Birch Bay and at their lovely home on Kirkstone. Hot summer days consisted of biking along the beach to go get ice cream and at night we would have bonfires in front of the ocean. Grandma loved spoiling us with Wendy’s frostys as well. There’s really nothing more she could have done to make our summer days more perfect. When summer finally came to an end, Grandma could never hold back her tears as she put us on the plane and said goodbye.

I will really miss wrapping her tiny body in a big hug, she was always so small. Her smile and good laugh will always hold space in my memory. Even as she began to fade, Grandma lit up with a grin every time she saw me and that is something I will never forget. Her personality, kindness and sweet demeanour will be greatly missed by all those who had the opportunity of knowing her.