Mary Dora Babiarz

Mary Dora (Przybylek) Babiarz, age 86, of Wilmington, passed away on Thursday, September 7, 2017, after frequent illnesses this past year. She was born in 1930 to the late John and Winifred (Morris) Przybylek.

Mary Dora graduated from Wilmington High School where she enjoyed learning French and German. Throughout the years she loved languages, always asking others how to say “Thank you” in their native language. Mary also attended St. Hedwig’s Parochial School where she learned to speak Polish. This was important so she could speak to her Polish grandmother. Mary continued practicing her Polish when she worked in a grocery store, Grodzicki’s Market. This was where she met Bill, her future husband, who was the brother of the storeowner’s wife, Sophie.

Mary and Bill operated a grocery store “Bill’s Market” in Wilmington’s East Side for over 40 years. They were good to their customers and became friends to many who have remembered them through the years. Mary worked for the Christiana Care Health System as a Unit Clerk for 23 years. Although employed part time she was well known by many for her pleasant demeanor and willingness to work.

She and her husband belonged to Fraim’s Senior Center and Claymore Senior Center. They enjoyed swimming, exercise classes, card games, and several trips together. Mary had a wonderful voice and enjoyed singing in the choir at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church. She also participated in choral groups at the senior centers. Mary was a member of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish and volunteered for the Outreach Program for several years.

Her husband of 62 years Boleslaw (Bill) passed away in December of 2011. During these years, they enjoyed many happy times together with each other and their four children: Kathleen, William, David, and James.
Survived by her children Kathleen (James) Cummings, of Middletown, DE, William (Heather) Babiarz of Reston, VA, David (Carolyn) Babiarz of Wilmington, DE, James (Michelle) Babiarz of Middletown, DE; her grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, Alexandra, Natasha, Giselle, Sophie, Andrew, Kathryn and Margaret Babiarz; her brothers Francis (Diane) of Mt. Airy, MD, John (Eva) Przybylek of Wilmington, sister-in-law Theresa Przybylek of Falls Church, VA; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband she was predeceased by her brothers Joseph and Michael Przybylek.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Mary’s memory can be made to IHM Outreach, Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, 4701 Weldin Rd., Wilmington, DE 19803 or Little Sisters of the Poor, 185 Salem Church Rd., Newark, DE 19713.