Obituary of Elizabeth Joanna Babinec

LITTLE FALLS - Elizabeth Joanna “Beth” Babinec, 55, a longtime resident of ARC Herkimer’s Pine Grove home in East Herkimer, New York, passed away Sunday morning, July 11, 2021, at home, where she was surrounded with tender faith filled care following a recent hospitalization. Beth was born on September 21, 1965, in Little Falls, the daughter of the late William Martin and Elizabeth (Bowen) Babinec. She was an attendee of Herkimer County BOCES and developmental programs provided by ARC Herkimer. Beth was a lifelong resident of our area. Her religious affiliation was associated with the Holy Family Parish in Little Falls. She enjoyed music, participated in chorus and was an avid listener of classical music as well as soundtracks and tunes from Broadway plays. Notwithstanding her extremely limited abilities to communicate, she was always able show warmth and humor in making others feel comfortable while sharing her appreciation for life. Beth’s impact on others inspired many to show compassion for people with disabilities. In her own way of interacting, she broadened perspective on how we look at valuing all lives – resulting in more individuals making active contributions towards empowering people with disabilities throughout our community. She is survived by her beloved family: siblings, Ellen (John) Senisi, of Schenectady, NY, Mary (Steve) Shemo, of Niskayuna, NY, Martin (Krista) Babinec, of Little Falls, NY, Steven (Kathy) Babinec, of Seattle, WA and Jean (Barry) Smith, of Little Falls, NY; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Bill and Betty Babinec; and her sister, Anne Babinec Kolman. Funeral services will be held on Friday afternoon, July 16, 2021 at 2:00 pm, at the Holy Family Parish Church, Corner of Main & John Streets, Little Falls, NY, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by the Rev. Brian Slezak, Pastor. Interment will take place in Holy Trinity Lutheran Cemetery, Little Falls with her family. There are no public calling hours and friends are invited to join us at the Mass and the interment service. Contributions, if so desired, may be made in grateful appreciation for the compassion and loving care provided by ARC Herkimer over much of Beth’s life – either online at www.ARCHerkimer.org or by mail to P.O. Box 271, Herkimer, NY. 13350. Envelopes are also available at the funeral home for this purpose and will be offered at the Mass on Friday. A special thank you is also extended to the Nursing Team of Bassett Healthcare Little Falls Hospital, to Drs. Amy Grace and Norman Freund for their exceptional care and attentiveness. All funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Enea Family Funeral Home, Little Falls, Funeral Directors Harry J. Enea, Jr., Kevin E. Enea and Martin L. Ciaccia (315) 823-2424. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com.