NATALIE C. BABCOCK, 82, a resident of Green Valley for 15 years and formerly from Santa Fe, N.M., passed away at a local hospital on Sept. 13, 2009, after a short illness.

She was active for nine years with the Pima County Community Justice Board which she helped form in the Sahuarita area. She had been an active member as a Pima County Master Gardener, writing articles for the Green Valley News.

She is survived by Wilma Ludwig, her housemate and traveling companion of 35 years.

She was born Oct. 30, 1926, in Richmond Hills, Queens County, N.Y. to Stanton Francis Babcock and Myrtle Marie Mullen. Her early education was at The Ursulines of Brown County, St. Martin, Ohio boarding school. She received her BA degree from Benedictine Heights College, Tulsa Okla., MA from Catholic University, Washington, D.C. and her Ed.D from Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Babcock was a member for 20 years of the Benedictines, where she was known as Sister Mary David. Upon leaving the order, she was employed by New Mexico Highlands University, Las Vegas, the New Mexico Department of Education, and New Mexico Highway Department. She retired in 1992 as State Director from the New Mexico Department of Personnel.

According to her wishes, there will be no services. She had a great love for animals. Any remembrances may be made to your preferred organization.