Louisa "Lisa" Babu

Louisa “Lisa” Babu, 85, of Fountain Hills died on Sunday, July 12, at her residence surrounded by her children. Lisa was a very devout and faithful member of the Assumption community who was an inspiration to many.

She was born April 29, 1930 in Southbridge, Mass., the daughter of Thomas and Constantina Ziu. She married Constantin Babu of Korce, Albania in 1957. Her husband preceded her in death.

Mrs. Babu retired in 1997 after working 25 years for the State of Illinois in Springfield. She received her bachelor’s degree in business management in 1980 from the University of Illinois-Springfield. Lisa moved to Arizona following her husband’s death in 2003.

A volunteer at Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale for many years, Lisa also gave her time to the community of Fountain Hills, helping clean and preserve sculptures in the park, serving as an art docent and theater usher. She was a member of the Assumption Greek Orthodox Church in Scottsdale, Red Hat Society, Hooks and Needles, Senior Olympics and was well-known in the Fountain Hills community.

Lisa is survived by three daughters, Victoria (David) Niswonger of Wildwood, Mo., Ileana Babu of Tucson and Nina (Joseph) Sullivan of Colleyville, Texas; one son, Dr. L. Thomas (Vasvi) Babu of Scottsdale; nine grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters Flora Popovici of Bristol, R.I., Shirley Marcin of Southbridge, Mass.; and one brother, Steven Ziu of Menifee, Calif.; and several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Assumption Greek Orthodox Church, 8202 E. Cactus Rd, Scottsdale, AZ 85260 or St. Thomas Romanian Orthodox Church, 6501 Nottingham Ave, St. Louis, MO 63109.

Visitation and funeral services were held at Assumption Greek Orthodox Church. Visitation was Tuesday, July 14, with Trisagion prayers following.

Funeral services are Wednesday, July 15, at 10 a.m. at Assumption Church, Scottsdale.

Burial will be held Saturday, July 18, in St. Louis, Mo. at St. Matthews Cemetery.