Viola “Bunny” Babcock, 96, of Kendal at Lexington, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2024.

Born in 1927 in New Rochelle, N.Y., she was the daughter of Stillman Mackay and Viola Kuntz Mackay. 

She grew up in New Rochelle, N.Y., where she attended New Rochelle High School and was a member of the North Avenue Presbyterian Church. Upon graduation from Katherine GibbsSchool, she worked for the advertising agency of J. Walter Thompson in Manhattan.

In 1951 she married J. Clarke Babcock of Larchmont, N.Y. They continued to live and raise their children in Westchester County, N.Y., first in Pelham, then Port Chester and finally in Rye. Upon her husband’s retirement they moved to Columbus, N.C., for 17 years, and then to Lexington. Their move to Kendal at Lexington allowed them to move closer to one of their children and develop many new friends at Kendal and in the community at large. 

She had a long history of volunteering, including church opportunities, the Twig Organization (benefiting United Hospital), the Rye High School guidance department and Rye Association for the Handicapped. When she moved south (first to North Carolina and then to Virginia), she became involved with the Habitat for Humanity ReStores, and was on the Family Selection Committee in North Carolina. 

She enjoyed skiing, swimming and badminton and took aerobics for many years.  During her early years at Kendal she contributed her witty poetry to the newsletter which showcased her ever-present sense of humor. Bunny and Clarke were members of Polk Paddlers and Bunny even took up kayaking in her 80s!  In retirement they would head north one or two times a year to visit with family and enjoy being on the water again in Rye and Martha’s Vineyard. Several cruises and a drive cross country also kept them busy. Some of her favorite times included visits with her “Supper Club” group, her extended family of friends spanning over 75 years.

Bunny was an avid quilter, beginning in Rye with a single class. She made a variety of quilts, including comfort quilts for children at Ronald McDonald House. Her knitting skills were put to good use making dolls for doctors to take on their overseas missions and premie caps for babies. 

She was predeceased by her husband, J. Clarke Babcock; her sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Mary Roe and Tom Bentley; her son Donald's life partner, Ruthellen Weston; and her brother Stillman Mackay. 

She is survived by her six children, Jane Babcock of Rye, N.Y., Nancy Babcock (David Walker) of Newry, Maine, Richard Babcock of Mahopac Falls, N.Y., Donald Babcock of Rutland, Vt., Linda Babcock (James Grondin) of Lexington, and John Babcock (Amy Rule) of Norwalk, Conn.; and two grandchildren, Sean Babcock of Rutland, Vt., and Kyler Walker of Hooksett, N.H.; her sister-in-law Emmie Mackay as well as a niece and nephews. 

The family will have a private memorial service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to ConnectionsPlus Healthcare + Hospice (formerly Rockbridge Area Hospice), Kendal at Lexington (Staff Appreciation Fund), Rockbridge Area Habitat for Humanity or the charity of your choice.