Elizabeth (Betty) Babcock, died peacefully in her sleep on August 12, 2008 in Morro Bay, California, at the age of 87. Born in Los Angeles in 1921, Betty spent most of her years in South Pasadena and Pasadena, where she raised her family, worked as a personnel and medical secretary, and served on the staff of the Retired Senior Volunteer Program. In 1941, she married Jack Aubrey, with whom she loved to sing and dance.

Jack and Betty had three children, Sue, Tom, and Jimmy. Betty's second husband was the late renowned astronomer Horace Babcock, with whom she had a son, Ken. Betty loved traveling, and into her 70's and 80's visited Russia, China, and Europe. After 1989, she moved frequently to be near her children, living in Martinez/Pleasant Hill, Santa Barbara, northern Nevada, and San Luis Obispo County. She was always an active volunteer, either in a local elementary school or animal shelter. She cared lovingly for her own pets, as well as for flocks of birds, a colony of feral cats, and even a wayward goose. Betty was the glue of her family. She was proud of them all and happy to tell you so. Betty had something very special about her, and everyone from little kids to dignitaries and movie stars found a connection with her. Betty was a lapsed Catholic, and an outspoken and lifelong Democrat, but she cherished her friends regardless of their opinions.

Betty is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Susan (Aubrey) and Craig Rock, of Los Osos; son Thomas Aubrey of Salt Lake City, Utah; and son and daughter-in-law Ken Babcock and Cindy Schneider, of Santa Barbara. Her grandchildren, Dan Rock and Kate Babcock, were the loves of her life. She is also survived by her nieces, Diane Hennessy and Peggy Hansen; sister-in-law Kathleen Dailey and her six sons; and all of her grand- and great-grand-nieces and nephews whom she loved so much. She was predeceased by her beloved sister, Helen Johnson, and an infant son, Jimmy. 

Pasadena Star-News, September 3, 2008