Alex Leonovich, director of SMS, said his final farewell to his beloved wife and friend, Mary "Babs" Leonovich. February of 2006 would have marked 59 years of their marriage — a bond that Alex referred to as an ongoing "honeymoon." Babs had a 13-year battle with breast cancer. She fought hard, but during the last six months her condition rapidly worsened. A living example of perseverance and faith, she died peacefully at home, — alert, and without much pain. Alex, her son Dave, daughters Deena and Dawn, and grandson, Aaron were at her side when she took her last breath. She was not afraid — Babs was ready to be with God.

Two of her favorite hymns give us a peak into her character. "The Great Physician" ends with the verse, "And when to that bright world above/We rise to be with Jesus/We'll sing around the throne of love/His name, the name of Jesus." She handled her many illnesses with such grace and peace! Her motto through everything that came her way was: "It is Well With My Soul." If she could speak now she would say she had no regrets. She had a full life.

Born March 8, 1923, Mary was the daughter of Julia and Sedor Babich, immigrants from Belarus. She was brought up in a Godly home and embraced, as her own, the faith she was raised with.

Those who met Babs briefly, or knew her intimately, would characterize her as a warm and fun-loving person. She had a light spirit; she was an encourager; she had the gift of hospitality; she was charming, sharp, dedicated, a shining light. She was a true partner and supporter of her husband. Babs worked full-time to supplement Alex's meager income and to provide health insurance for the family. She was not always able to be by Alex's side physically when he would be away, but she was fully behind his ministry. After retiring from Rutger's University, she was able to travel with Alex worldwide.

She never thought she had the gift of public speaking, but when called upon, would 'step up to the plate,' overcome her fears and touch people's lives through her words. Mostly, she touched people with her acts of love. She gave of herself and her possessions selflessly. Babs was a truly generous soul. Many missionaries were warmly welcomed in her house. Rooms were always available for days, weeks, even years at a time. People never left her presence empty handed. Babs was a chronic gift giver!

Babs had style. Though brought up in a poor family, Babs managed to always make fashion statements. She always looked beautiful. But, more importantly, she had style and beauty on the inside and was a role model for many younger and older women alike.

Some things you might not have known about her, she...

Had a fear of heights
Memorized the entire chapter of Isaiah 53 in the Russian language
Was deathly afraid of bugs and spiders and would scream at the thought of one near her
Always preferred to be called Babs, not Mary
Thought she didn't have the gift of writing, but would send the most beautiful cards
Was the worst back seat driver ever
Had a keen sense of direction which came in handy when Alex would refuse to ask for directions
Loved nice things, chocolate and the Yankees
Had a hard time throwing anything out, especially cards and notes from friends
Adored her children and grandchildren
Her favorite lunch was a clam roll from Howard Johnson's
Used to be an Avon lady
Sang in a trio that travelled around the states for missionary conferences but after an operation on her jaw couldn't sing a note!
Played piano and organ Babs wouldn't let anyone touch the mailing of the SMS Link. She handled each envelope that was put in the mail.

There are endless words that could be said about Babs. No one will ever replace her in the hearts of her family and friends. She is greatly missed. We honor her memory.