SARATOGA SPRINGS — Barbara, “Babbie,” Boyle passed away on April 7, 2022 surrounded by her loving family. Babbie was known for her joyful, caring and generous spirit. She loved children and especially loved babies.
Babbie was born March 3, 1922 to U.S. Army General Louis and Mrs. Miriam Blount Craig, in Fort McPherson, Georgia. As an “Army brat,” Babbie lived in many places throughout the United States. She loved being around water. When she was a child, she spent many summers in Barnstable sailing and swimming. Her children and grandchildren gave her great joy – when her children were young, she brought the family to a lake cottage in northern Minnesota every summer, where she enjoyed fishing and cooking fresh sunnies for breakfast. When her grandchildren were young, the pool in her yard became the summer gathering place for all the families. In her later years, she enjoyed spending afternoons at Lake Sacandaga on the boat with her grand-daughter Katie and family. She really loved coconut cake and homemade large pearl tapioca.
Babbie graduated from the College of Notre Dame with a degree in Biology. After World War II, Babbie met and fell in love with her husband, Colonel Bill Boyle. They were married in 1947 and raised their ten children together. As an Army wife, Babbie lived in many states throughout the United States and also in Japan. Babbie was dedicated to her family and when asked what she wanted for her birthday or Christmas, she would always say “ten good children.” This was true even on her 100th birthday this past March! In addition to raising her children, she was very active in caring for her many grandchildren.
Babbie was a devout Catholic and held a special devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mother. She was a member of St. Clement’s Church since 1972, and during that time she served as a Eucharistic Minister. She was active in many community groups over the years including the Saratoga Hospital Guild, Ladies of Charity, Resurrection Choir of St. Clement’s, and the Saratoga Springs Food Co-op. She was also very involved in the 517th Paratrooper’s Auxiliary.
She was predeceased by her husband, Bill Boyle; her parents, Miriam and Louis Craig; her siblings, Sister Malin Craig, RSCJ, Louis Aleck Craig, Jr., William Blount Craig, Faith Craig Hall, Francis Washington Craig, her granddaughter, Istenya Boyle Hurty and her son-in-law, Doug Haller.
She is survived by her children: Bill Boyle (Robin Waxman) of Salt Lake City, Pat (Ruth) Boyle of Egan, Minnesota, Mike Boyle of Kenai, Alaska, Peggy (Pearse) O’Shiel of Mount Shannon, Ireland, Sheila Boyle (Glenn Monastersky) of Albany and of Saratoga Springs, Mimsey Kelly, Babsy (Roy) Claydon, Tim Boyle (Tracey McQuay), Ann Haller and Beth (Gary) Rhodes. She is also survived by many grandchildren around the world: Shannon (Elliot) Boyle and Kelsey (Deano) Boyle; Mick, Mackenzie, Bryce and Gabe (Carissa) Boyle; Mollie (Gabe) Zingaretti; Jesse (Amanda) Kelly, Jeremy (Cece) Kelly; Katie (Bernie) Jones, Josh Claydon, Becky Claydon, Bonnie (PJ) Boyle, Nora O’Shiel (Aurelio), Colm (Letika) O’Shiel, Erin Finch, Matt Haller (Taija), Matt Rhodes, Rachel Rhodes; several great-grandchildren: Ethan Boyle, Finley Jones, Meanoiche and Paidi Che MacNamara, Phelan and Hazel Kelly, Francesca Zingaretti, Lua and Ruari Ballester-O’Shiel.
Babbie is also survived by her brother and sister; Michael Craig of Annandale, Virginia and Sister Connie Craig SHCJ, of Potomac, Maryland.
The family would like to thank the caregivers who gave such tender loving care to our mother: Dawn Kearns, Marcia Gaige, Soni Winney, Stacey Lloyd and Stephanie Zabala; as well as Dr. Laddis and staff, the staff at Dr. Yamada’s office, and Dr. Pezzulo and the Hospice staff. Thank you also to the Rev. Francis R. Vivacqua of St. Mary’s Church in Ballston Spa, for tending to our mother’s spiritual needs, and to Janet Sinnott and others who regularly brought her Holy Communion.
Calling hours were Tuesday, April 12, 2022 at the William J. Burke & Sons/Bussing & Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866 (518-584-5373).
A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Wednesday, April 13, 2022 at St. Clement’s Church, 231 Lake Ave., Saratoga Springs. Burial followed at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Road, Schuylerville, NY 12871.
In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions to your favorite children’s, war veteran’s or Native American charity.
Online remembrances may be made at burkefuneralhome.com
