Mary E.

Babine

Mary E. Babine, a beloved mother, sister, and advocate, passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on January 6, 2026, at Beverly Hospital, surrounded by her loving memories. Born on July 30, 1929, in Revere, MA, she was the cherished daughter of the late Lawrence and Elizabeth A. (Malsbenden) McCarthy. Growing up in Chelsea, Mary was one of five siblings who brought joy and laughter to her family.
She was married to J. Richard Babine, and her love for him was unwavering. And she devoted much of her life to raising and caring for her son, Michael R. Babine. Following the loss of her husband in 1994 and her son in 2020, Mary carried their memories in her heart. A long-time resident of Peabody, she also called Danvers, Lynnfield and Chelsea home, where she touched the lives of many.
Mary dedicated two decades of her professional life to serving as a Parts Clerk at Sears Automotive Center in Saugus. Beyond her work, she was a tireless advocate for those with intellectual disabilities, passionately involved with organizations such as the Coalition of Families and Advocates for the Mentally Retarded (C.O.F.A.R.), Concerned Citizens for the Mentally Retarded (C.C.M.R.), Voice for the Retarded (V.O.R.), and the Revere League for Special Needs.
Mary was the dear sister of Leo McCarthy and his wife Maria of Hudson NH, the late William McCarthy, survived by his wife Judith of Wakefield, the late Laurence McCarthy, survived by his wife Betty of North Reading, the late Nancy Lewis and her husband William.  And dear sister-in-law of Barbara Pitts and her husband Edward of Billerica, the late Christine and Donald White.  Cherished aunt of James Babine, William R. Lewis and many other nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects during calling hours at the Welsh Funeral Home, located at 718 Broadway, Chelsea, on Monday, January 12th from 8:30 A.M. to 10:00 A.M. Following the calling hours, a funeral mass will be held at St. Rose Church, 600 Broadway, Chelsea, at 10:00 A.M., where Mary's life will be celebrated and honored. The services will conclude with her interment at Woodlawn Cemetery, located at 302 Elm Street, Everett.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Mary's memory to The Revere League for Special Needs, 200 Winthrop Ave., Revere, MA 02151. Her warmth, compassion, and unwavering spirit will be missed by all who were fortunate enough to know her.