Karlee "Kay" Lillian Babcock

MADISON - Karlee Lillian “Kay” Babcock passed away peacefully at Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg, Wis., on Aug. 11, 2024, after a brief illness. Kay was born in Davenport, Iowa, to Charles C. and Lillian A. (Johnson) Buhman. Though she was an “only child” she developed a sibling-like relationship with her cousins while living, from ages 2-7, with her Aunt Vivian and Uncle George, who took her in after her mother passed. She then lived with her father and step-mother, Helen (Ash), for the remainder of her childhood in Rock Island, Ill. Helen was a very good mother to her.

Kay graduated from Rock Island High School in 1950. She attended Monmouth College for two years before transferring to earn her Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from University of Colorado Boulder, and her master’s degree at Penn State.

Kay worked the majority of her career in cancer research at the University of Wisconsin. Over the years she became the “lab mom” by her description. She spent 47 years working at the UW’s McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research.

In the summer of 1952, Kay met the love of her life, Steve, they were married in 1956. In 1958, Steve began his internship and residency in medicine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. They both fell in love with the city and lived there the rest of their lives.

In Madison their family was blessed with the addition of two children, several special pets, and the camaraderie of many close friends. Living on Lake Monona, they often went boating with family and friends, volunteering for the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary for a time. They were long term members of Luther Memorial Church. Kay was heavily involved in the Waunona Way neighborhood association and the Waunona Garden Club (acting at various times as president, treasurer, etc.) for more than 50 years. They were founding members of The Friendship Force of Wisconsin, through which they developed life-long friendships around the world through hosting travelers and traveling themselves to many places. Their appreciation for diverse cultures was enhanced at home with participation in Foreign Foods (now called University League International Foods) a group that would get together to cook and enjoy foods, with a curated menu, from a pre-selected country several times a year. In later years she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, she was so proud and wanted the best for each of them.

Karlee was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband. She is survived by her son, Thomas Babcock; daughter, Sara (John) Lash; grandchildren, Connor, Cassandra and Cameron Babcock, and Sydney (Allyson Sawatske), Heidi and Andrew Lash.

A memorial service will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12 noon on Monday, Aug. 19, 2024, with a luncheon to follow. A visitation will be held at the funeral home from 11 a.m. until the time of the service on Monday. A private graveside service will take place at Forest Hill Cemetery.

Memorials may be gifted in Kay’s name to American Association for Cancer Research (www.aacr.org/) or Agrace HospiceCare (www.agrace.org/).

Kay was loved and respected by the many people whose lives she touched; they appreciated her kindness and enjoyed her humor. The world was a better place for her presence, she will be greatly missed. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420