'The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me. Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over. Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever." (Psalm 23)

Alex Leonovich, executive director of SMS, said his final farewell to his beloved wife and friend, Mary “Babs” Leonovich. February of 2006 would have marked 59 years of their marriage — a bond that Alex referred to as an ongoing “honeymoon.” Babs had a 13-year battle with breast cancer. She fought hard, but during the last six months her condition rapidly worsened. A living example of perseverance and faith, she died peacefully at home, — alert, and without much pain. Alex, her son Dave, daughters Deena and Dawn, and grandson, Aaron were at her side when she took her last breath. She was not afraid — Babs was ready to be with God.

Two of her favorite hymns give us a peak into her character. “The Great Physician” ends with the verse, “And when to that bright world above/We rise to be with Jesus/We’ll sing around the throne of love/His name, the name of Jesus.” She handled her many illnesses with such grace and peace! Her motto through everything that came her way was: “It is Well With My Soul.” If she could speak now she would say she had no regrets. She had a full life.

Born March 8, 1923, Mary was the daughter of Julia and Sedor Babich, immigrants from Belarus. She was brought up in a Godly home and embraced, as her own, the faith she was raised with.

Those who met Babs briefly, or knew her intimately, would characterize her as a warm and fun-loving person. She had a light spirit; she was an encourager; she had the gift of hospitality; she was charming, sharp, dedicated, a shining light. She was a true partner and supporter of her husband.