Carolyn W. Babinsky was born in Hartford CT on July 5, 1930, the only child of Grace L. Meyer, and passed from this life to the next on February 1, 2024 at Crestwood Manor, Whiting NJ, following a long decline.
She graduated from Pleasantville (NY) High School in 1948, and from George Washington University in 1953. She worked for IBM, where she met Edward W. Coffin. They married on March 18, 1956, having three children – Virginia (Brad) Wayland, Edward Coffin, Jr., and Sandra Coffin. After that marriage failed, she married Rev. William Babinsky, bringing their two families together in a unique bond. Together they served at Woodcliff Reformed Church in North Bergen, NJ and the Ocean Community Church in Manahawkin, NJ, and organized and planted the Newtown Reformed Church in Newtown PA. They moved to Whiting NJ in 1985, becoming active members of the Community Reformed Church. He preceded her in death in March 1989.
Carol was a tireless advocate for the value of women in the life of the church and its ministries within the Reformed Church of America, especially in the Synods of New York, New Jersey and the Mid-Atlantics and the Classis of New Brunswick. She also served on the Board of the interdenominational Grace Memorial Chapel in Silver Bay, NY. It is less well known that she advocated and promoted more interaction between white suburban congregations and black urban populations during the turbulent years of the 1960’s. She believed, and acted upon, a deep conviction of the inclusiveness of the gospel that she wanted to see reflected in the church. She was among the first women ordained as an Elder in the Reformed Church of America, and continued to fight for inclusion throughout her life. After Bill’s death, she began working with the National Council on the Aging in connection with the Reformed Church, and later with Room for All, promoting inclusiveness within all aspects of the life of the church and beyond. Alongside this conviction, she had an acute sense of order and organization that showed in her work on Stewardship, as secretary of several Boards, and in the preservation of church archives.
Carol was not all work, however. She found a deep peace in the forested mountains and waters of Silver Bay, NY on the shores of Lake George, where she enjoyed gardening, swimming, boating, tennis, intense Scrabble games, watching rainbows, hummingbirds, finches, herons and butterflies, and most especially spending time with her many beloved ‘Lake friends’. She was a gracious host to many at the cottage, providing a restful space and relaxed company, and she treasured the many deep friendships that lasted for decades. She was immensely proud of the accomplishments of all her children, especially Ginny’s many academic achievements, Ed’s work with migrant and farm workers, and taking a special pleasure in attending many of Sandy’s brass quartet, theater and concert performances.
In addition to her three children, she leaves step-daughters Anne, Ellen, and Lois and their grown children Brian, Janine, Julie, Jenny, and Ian.
A Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday, February 24 at 11 am at the Community Reformed Church, 36 Lacey Road, Whiting NJ 08759. A second is being planned at Grace Memorial Chapel, Silver Bay NY in July.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice. Anderson & Campbell in Whiting, NJ assisted with handling arrangements.
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