Rebecca Hostettler Babbitt, a graphic artist and photography teacher, died peacefully on August 18, 2020, at her home in Grand Isle, Vt., after a short illness.
Rebecca was born on May 24, 1954, in Statesville, N.C. Later her family moved to Charlotte, N.C., where she graduated from high school. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Smith College and worked as a graphic designer at the National Gardening Association. She was a teacher of black-and-white darkroom photography at BCA and participated in group and solo shows. Rebecca was active in her children’s school and sports activities, volunteering at Orchard School and for CSB Sports.
Rebecca loved her family deeply. With every decision she made, her loved ones came first. She felt right at home loading skis, snowboards or hockey bags, along with anxious children, into the family station wagon on cold, dark February mornings.
Rebecca traveled the world on the hunt for spectacular food. She was a voracious reader, an enthusiastic bicyclist and an avid gardener. She loved nothing more than to tend to her grandsons while her children bustled about the kitchen, preparing for a big weekend meal.
She taught her family to work hard when a job needed doing and to kick back and relax when the time was right. The way she lived and loved is a true inspiration to those lucky enough to have entered her world. Her loved ones will carry on those lessons, with her in mind, forever.
Rebecca is survived by her husband of 40 years, Bruce Babbitt; daughter Sophia Babbitt (Ryan Campagna) and grandsons Kai and Cruz Campagna; son Nicholas Babbitt (Molly O’Day); and son Gregory Babbitt (Viola Meyerweissflog). She is survived by sisters Anna Burns, Verena Putnam and Susan Fullas.
A celebration of her life will be held at a future date. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Grand Isle Library (10 Hyde Rd., Grand Isle, VT 05458) in her honor.
This article appears in Aug 12-18, 2020.
Condolences from Greg’s NGA friends and colleagues. So happy Greg could be with her the last few weeks.
Bruce, Sophie, Nick and Greg- my deepest condolences. My heart goes out to you.
As a friend of more than four decades I knew her deep love for each of you from the beginning.
Bep was good to the core, and I will miss her!
My Love to you all.
George Santa Cruz
Bruce, Sophie, Nick, Greg, my deepest, deepest sympathies. I have so many wonderful memories of Bep and of each of you that I will hold in my heart forever. She was an extraordinarily funny, wise and loving woman – who always new a good Swiss chocolate when she saw one. She will be deeply missed by all. My heart is with you now and always.
With great love,
Dorothy Woglom
To the Babbitt Family –
The Bushway’s of South Hero would like to extend our deepest condolences. We met Bruce & Rebecca back in the early 80’s & I remember when Sophia was little & Nicholas was born. Rebecca was a great person. Very caring & very patient with me. It has been many years since we have been in touch, but this is certainly a loss to humanity.
May she live on in God’s grace.
Ms. Casey Bushway & Marge Bushway