Fides Babich, age 91, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 7, 2023, surrounded by her family.
Fides was born on January 23, 1932, in Barbana, Italy, to Matthew and Oliva (Viscović) Milevoi. Her formative years during World War II in Istria and the death of her mother when she was eight-years-old left an indelible mark on Fides’ life, and forged in her a steely determination to succeed.
During her teen years, in the immediate aftermath of the war, she distinguished herself in her work at a local grocery store, becoming store manager by her early 20s. She married John Babich, her childhood sweetheart in 1954, and in 1957, they left Yugoslavia with their young son in pursuit of a better future. After one year in Laterina, an Italian refugee camp, the family moved to Los Angeles with the sponsorship of John’s uncle, Antonio Babich.
Fides first worked at Welch’s Uniform and Laundry then at Lawry’s Foods factory. She began life-long friendships with some of her co-workers at each location. After the birth of her daughter, Fides transitioned to becoming a full-time “homemaker,” and when her daughter entered elementary school, she began a thirty-year career as an Avon representative. She was so very proud to become a naturalized citizen of the United States on June 3, 1977.
Fides enjoyed gardening, developing a lovely collection of cymbidium “boat” orchids, and was an avid reader. As a devout Roman Catholic, she was firm in her convictions and dedicated to works of love such as visiting the sick. She was fun-loving, affectionate, and warm in all her dealings, and both family and friends will miss her whole-hearted laughter.
Fides is preceded in death by her parents, brothers Antonio, Aldo, Rufino, sisters Anna, Lucia, Albina, Angela, and Maria, and by her beloved husband, John. She is survived by her children Sergio (Katie) and Therese Rosanna (Grant), and grandson Joshua. She was interred at Glen Haven Memorial Park after a private graveside ceremony on Friday, November 17th.
“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all.
Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised,” Proverbs 31:27-30.
