Bernard Jerome Babcock
Bernard Jerome Babcock, 73, of Goodyear, died November 25, 2017 in Goodyear, Arizona. He was born November 3, 1944 to Bernard C. Babcock and Marjorie Tefft in Fostoria, Ohio.
Bernie retired as a consulting engineer in Louisville, Kentucky. He moved to Arizona in 2003 where he enjoyed an active lifestyle in the PebbleCreek community. He enjoyed the competition and companionship playing horseshoes and bocce. His love of cars and specific knowledge of corvettes was close to his heart. He was an ambassador to the National Corvette Museum in Bowling Green, Kentucky. He enjoyed the PebbleCreek Car Club and served as a director. He was a drag racer in his earlier years and held National records. He loved attending and participating in the car shows where he could be seen driving and polishing his red convertible with the proud license “Bernout.”
Bernie is survived by his wife Linda Eileen Babcock, daughter Amy Jo Babcock, son Bernard J. Babcock, Jr., sister Pamela Costello, brother David Gilman and one grandchild.
A memorial service was held at 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, November 30, 2017, at First Baptist Church in Sun City West, Arizona. In honor of Bernard Jerome Babcock, donations can be made to First Baptist Church, Sun City West building fund or the New Life Center. Condolences can be left at www.ThompsonFuneralChapel.com.
Melanie Raczkiewicz
Melanie Raczkiewicz (nee Selep) of Delavan, Wisconsin and Goodyear, Arizona (formerly of St. Charles, Illinois), died on Sunday, November 19 at a hospice center in Phoenix, Arizona.
The daughter of the late George and Mary Selep, Melanie was born in Elmwood Park, Illinois on February 15, 1956. Melanie earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education at Southern Illinois University, a Master of Science in Educational Administration from Northern Illinois University and received her Doctor of Education in Curriculum and Instruction at Loyola University Chicago. Melanie married her college sweetheart, Henry, on August 19, 1978; they recently retired to their dream home in Goodyear, Arizona.
Melanie worked as an administrator in the St. Charles and Naperville schools, retiring as Chief Operating Officer in Naperville District 203. She was a passionate advocate for children and devoted her career to helping them and the teachers who served them. Those fortunate to work with her are forever influenced by her courageous leadership.
An inspiration and role model to her friends and family, Melanie always faced life’s challenges with courage, grace, dignity and a sense of humor. She inspired others to celebrate the simple pleasures and gifts life offers, to find something good in every challenge, and to be grateful.
She was preceded in death by her brother Gerard. She is survived by her brother Gregory Selep (Marcia) sister Melissa Heitz (Russell), nieces Allison, Tina, Jocelyn, Meagan, Brittany and Rebecca and nephews Barrett, Robbie and Jonathan.
A memorial visitation was held at Knox Presbyterian Church in Naperville, Illinois on Friday, December 15. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Bernie’s Book Bank, 917 N. Shore Drive, Lake Bluff, Illinois 60044; www.berniesbookbank.org.