Mary Hays Babcock, 91, Vero Beach
Mary Hays Babcock, 91, Vero Beach, was promoted to Glory on Saturday, May 16, 2020. Mary was born in Atlanta, Ga., on Oct. 27, 1928.
She earned a degree in both math and physics from Agnes Scott College, and on graduation day, married Charles I. Babcock, Jr., in 1949.
Mary and Charlie raised their family in Coral Gables and remained there until their permanent move to Vero Beach in 1992. As devoted followers of Christ, they were deeply engaged in the greater Dade County community, in their local church, First United Methodist of Coral Gables, and in the Salvation Army.
Mary and Charlie ministered together during 58 years of marriage before he died in 2007. Mary loved God and loved people and enjoyed serving on the local Salvation Army Board, tutoring students at Gifford Youth Achievement Center in Vero Beach, participating in the Community Bible Study, and encouraging multiple Christian ministries.
Mary is survived by her daughter Evelyn Babcock of Dallas, Texas; son Calvin Babcock (Becky) of Miami; and daughter Lisa Babcock Taylor (Jim) of Vero Beach. Sadly, Mary’s oldest child, Charles I. Babcock, III (Mary Anne) of Clearwater, passed away from cancer on March 24 of this year. Mary is also survived by her dear sister-in-law, Barbara Hays, of Atlanta, eight grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
The family wishes to thank the CNAs of A Moment’s Notice for their love and care over the past few years of Mary’s life.
Contributions in Mary’s honor may be made to the Salvation Army of Vero Beach at 2655 5th Street SW, Vero Beach, FL 32962. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. Condolences may be left online at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.
Jeanne Elizabeth Brann, 73, Vero Beach
Jeanne Elizabeth Brann, 73, of Vero Beach, passed away May 18, 2020. Jeanne was born in Somerville, Mass., to Thomas and Mary Lally. She moved to Port St. Lucie, Fla., in 1989 and lived there for many years before moving to Vero Beach.
She loved to cook and bake for those she loved. Jeanne enjoyed crocheting blankets for her friends and family. She took great pride in being “Nana” to her beloved five grandchildren.
She is survived by her three sons, William Brann, Jr. (Kirsten), of Middleton, Mass., James Brann, of Vero Beach, and Scott Brann (Ingrid), of Port St Lucie, Fla.; five grandchildren, Andrea, Jared, Alexandra, Samantha and Joshua; three brothers, Thomas Lally of Medford, James Lally (wife, Elaine), of Lynn, and David Lally (wife, Charlene), of Tyngsboro; two sisters, Eileen Natale (husband, John), of Woburn, and Donna Lally (longtime companion, Tom Humphrey), of Woburn; and many nieces and nephews.
Jeanne was preceded in death by her siblings Paul Lally, Michael Lally, Gerry Carnes, Mona Vail and Mary “Pat” McGovern.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation.
Services will be held privately at a later date determined by the family.
Robert Bruno, 84, Sebastian
Robert Bruno, 84, of Sebastian, passed into Heaven, Monday May 18, 2020. Son of Elizabeth (Lacrosse) and Ernest A. Bruno, of Colrain, Mass., and stepmother Pearl Bruno (all deceased). Sister Joan (Bruno) Adamcik (deceased) and husband Ted (deceased); Brother Larry Bruno of Colrain; sister Anita Bruno (deceased) and several nieces Lynn and Susan, and nephew Jeffery of Westfield, MA.
He is survived by daughter, Dianne Elizabeth Crane (John) of Oak Bluffs, MA. Bob married Mary (Hopkins, Goldrick) Bruno, the love of his life on October 5, 1991.
Born in Colrain, Massachusetts, he graduated from the Arms Academy, Colrain. He served as a Sergeant for nine years in the National Guard.
Bob served the Lord for seventy-eight years beginning at age six. He was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church and a daily communicant; he served as an Altar Server, Minister of the Eucharist and part-time Sacristan.
Bob and Mary were faithful supprters of the Our Lady of Guadalupe (Mission Church), Fellsmere, FL (where he also serving an an Altar Server and Minister of the Eucharist).
Bob was employed an United Parcel Service (West Springfield, MA) for thirty-six and a half years; with over 3.2 million safe-driving miles, of which he was very proud. He was an avid gardener and weather enthusiast and a great fisherman!
June M. Chamberlain, 85, Sebastian
June M. Chamberlain, 85, of Sebastian, passed away Sunday, May 17, 2020 at her home. She was born in Malone, N.Y., and moved to Sebastian in 1995 from Phoenix, N.Y.
She had worked as a secretary for the Phoenix Central School System and General Electric before her retirement. She was a member of St. Sebastian Catholic Church.
Survivors include her son Douglas Arthur Chamberlain of Tampa, Florida grandson Alex Chamberlain of Orlando, Fla.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Arthur C. Chamberlain.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to VNA/Hospice Foundation, 1110 35th Lane, Vero Beach, FL 32960.
No services are planned at this time. Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
Laurence Duggan, 85, Sebastian
Laurence Duggan, 85, of Sebastian, passed away May 19, 2020, at Cleveland Clinic – Indian River Hospital in Vero Beach. Larry was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., and moved to Sebastian in 2018 from Brooksville, Fla.
He served in the US Navy for 21 years, a career spanning the Korean and Vietnam wars. Larry retired as a Boatswain’s Mate.
After his career in the US Navy, Larry worked for Oakland County, then served as a bank guard in Topeka before joining the Merchant Marines and eventually retiring to Florida.
He was a member of Most Holy Trinity Church in Vero Beach. Larry was a member of the DAV, VFW, and an avid golfer.
Survivors include wife of 48 years Mable Duggan, sons Patrick Duggan and Timothy Duggan, daughter Laureen Valdez, and three grandchildren.
A private family visitation will take place with interment following at Cape Canaveral National Cemetery in Mims, Florida.
Memorial contributions may be made to DAV, ATTN: Gift Proce, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250.
Arrangements are by Strunk Funeral Home and Crematory, 1623 North Central Avenue, Sebastian, Florida 32958.
James Higgins, 74, Vero Beach
James “Jim” Higgins, 74, of Vero Beach, departed this life on Saturday May 16, 2020. Born May 5, 1946 to the late Thomas and Mary Higgins in Trenton, N.J.
He was preceded in death by his brother, Tom Higgins Jr.; and his grandson, Colton Higgins.
He is survived by his only daughter, Kelly Higgins; and granddaughter, Hailey Higgins; and four sisters, Ann McCully, Dot Creel, Jeanne Bishop, and Sue Higgins; and two brothers John Higgins and Bob Higgins.
He served in the U.S. Navy, squadron 40 for four years.
He was a lifelong resident of Vero Beach and a graduate of Vero Beach High School, class of 1964.
He was a self employed painter and owned Higgins Painting Company LLC which his father started here in Vero Beach.
Due to the covid-19 shutdown a service will be held at a later date.
A private family viewing was held at Cox Gifford Funeral Home.
