Obituary of Pauline Babiy

A bundle of Joy arrived for Michael and Jessica Gingara.  Into this world came Pauline, and her twin brother Paul.  They would be part of a large farm family building a life for themselves in the Brooksby region of Saskatchewan.    Her Mom and her big sisters pitched in raising the twins. Playtime was usually outdoors enjoying nature. With all the big families, there was plenty of company for the walks to and from Maryville School. Pauline loved all the school subjects especially track and field. In 1947, Pauline started working as a nurse’s aide in the Prince Albert Sanatorium assisting patients to survive tuberculosis. TB was very contagious and she knew she was always at great risk in working with patients. While working at the SAN, Mom met a good friend of her brother Fred. John Babiy was attending teachers’ college with Fred and once John met Pauline, he knew she was the one.   After a few months they were married on January 25, 1953 at Victory Church in the Gronlid district. Two years later, Terrence (Terry) was born and three years after that, it was Lorne.  She was a full time Mother while John taught at country schools including Welland.  Six years later they moved to Nipawin with John teaching at Alex Wright.  Once John secured his Bachelor of Education, he wanted to seek out administrative opportunities that would lie ahead for them in Alberta.  Pauline followed his dream, but missed her Nipawin family and leaving their house brother Paul had built.
They did some moving with Dad finally securing the position of Principal.  Some of these schools were multi grade classrooms. This created the opportunity for Pauline to work alongside John as a teacher’s aide.  Pauline enjoyed this opportunity to work with Children especially those with learning challenges.  She especially liked coordinating the Christmas school concerts showing off the students’ talents to the community. In the mid 1980’s John was diagnosed with a brain tumor.  After a touch and go surgery, John did survive but had to retire from teaching.  Pauline and John moved into their Nipawin cottage style house.  In 1999, John started showing the signs of dementia. Pauline was determined to look after him.  It was a struggle for her, but she preserved until Johns passing in 2005.   She lived alone with her pets in her home for over 15 years. Gradually her legs were failing her and she had to leave the home for life in a wheelchair at Pineview Lodge.  She made the most of her time at PVL attending the Concerts, All church services regardless of denomination and of course the afternoon games, and fitness programs.   After two and a half years at PVL she passed away on February 12 at the age of 97.
She loved people. She loved animals and birds. She was always concerned how the birds would survive winter.  Pauline loved dancing and looked forward to watching Saturday Night Dance Party on Access TV.  She loved the News, especially American Politics during election time.  What Mom loved the most was her family.  She treasured the many frequent visits with Joanne.  She enjoyed seeing her twin Paul and Helen.  She loved it when her son Terry came to visit, especially when he brought his wife Cindy and her grandchildren and the great grandchildren.
Pauline is survived by her sons Terry (Cindy) and Lorne (Anabelle), grandchildren Jonathan Babiy (Nicole) and Lindsay Parenteau (Tyrell) and great granddaughters Blake and Riley Parenteau.
Also surviving Pauline is her twin brother Paul Gingara and his wife, Helen, sister-in-Law, Joanne Gingara and her son, Garnet and sister-in-law, Betty Hay (Bob) and many nieces and nephews.
She was pre deceased by her parents Michael and Jessica, her sisters Ann, Mary and Catherine and her brothers Fred, Terry, Adam and Peter.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks for donations to be made for resident’s activities at Pineview Lodge in Nipawin or the nearest SPCA.