Mabel Lorraine Babbitt (Hayes), age 91, passed away overnight on Saturday, January 3, 2026, at Middletown Home in Middletown, PA. Mabel had a servant's heart and flourished through her support of others.

Mabel was born during a blizzard in her family's home in Millville, NJ, on January 27, 1934. She went on to graduate from Millville High School in 1952 with a business emphasis and worked at NJ Gas Company upon graduation. On July 17, 1954, Mabel married Gene Babbitt in Delmont, New Jersey. Mabel continued using her business skills for 34 years as a bookkeeper, secretary, and transportation assistant for her husband's automotive repair business.

Beyond helping with the business, Mabel stayed busy raising her two daughters, Gloria Shannon and Carol Auer. She also taught Sunday School and VBS at Newcombtown United Methodist Church for many years. She was known for her secret BBQ recipe, which supported many church fundraisers, making hundreds of gallons over the years.

Mabel enjoyed gardening and birdwatching. She loved sitting on her screened-in porch and watching the dozen or so hummingbirds she fed.

During her early retirement, she and Gene often camped in an RV and traveled across the country, visiting every state except Hawaii. Gene often joked that they did not need to go to Hawaii since the beach was so close to them in New Jersey.

Beyond traveling and visiting family, Mabel and Gene volunteered at a local soup kitchen in Vineland for many years. When Gene passed away on November 16, 2008, they had been married for 54 years.

During her later retirement, Mabel lived with her family, helping around the household, while also assisting others through baking and cooking. Even after being diagnosed with dementia, Mabel continued to help her family in any way she could.

Just before her 91st birthday in 2024, Mabel began living at Middletown Home in Middletown, PA, for additional care, where her daughter Gloria worked as a Registered Dietitian. Mabel's face would always brighten whenever family came to visit. Her life of serving others continues to inspire her family and is her legacy.

Mabel was the daughter of Hazel Mary Engelheart Hayes and William Hayes. She had three siblings: William Hayes, John Hayes, and Hazel Hayes Dombroski. Mabel was the wife of Gene Babbitt. Mabel is survived by her two daughters, Gloria Shannon and Carol Auer; her five grandchildren, Joel Shannon, Luke Shannon, Hope Auer Peterson, Caleb Auer, and Joshua Auer; and her one great-grandchild, Michael Kenneth Peterson.

A viewing and service will be held on Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The viewing will be held from 10AM to 11AM at Barr Funeral Home, 2104 E. Main Street, Millville, NJ 08332, followed by the service. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Park.

Donations in Mabel's honor can be made to either The Middletown Home at 999 West Harrisburg Pike, Middletown, PA 17057, or Campbelltown United Methodist Church at 2760 Horseshoe Pike, Palmyra, PA 17028.