Lori Anne Babinski, formerly Scandrett, born on November 15, 1953, left this earth on Monday, March 31, 2025 in Columbia, IL, after a day filled with family, close friends and her loving granddaughters playing her favorite Santana songs.
Lori was born in St. Albans, New York, to Dorothy and Glenn Scandrett, who preceded her in death, along with her sisters, Mary Perry and Michelle (Shorty) Renner. As a child, Lori’s fondest memories were living in South Carolina and Miami, while her father was in the Navy. After her family relocated to Scott Air Force Base, Lori attended Cathedral Grade School and the Academy of Notre Dame in Belleville, where she made lifelong friendships.
She attended Belleville Area College and received her RN license in 1976. She was a dedicated nurse at St. Elizabeth’s and Memorial Hospitals in Belleville. She liked to reminisce about her 2 favorite floors, One Center and 6th Floor. Lori’s family would like to thank Danna and Barb for reminding her of the many shenanigans she and her colleagues got into over the years. The family also thanks the many friends who did not leave Lori’s side over the past year, providing her with endless laughs, good meals, and cherished memories.
Lori married her ex-husband, Marty (Cathy) Babinski of Wake Forest, NC, and together they welcomed her two biggest accomplishments, Elizabeth and Michael. Being a mom was the best title she ever received, and she loved both of her children more than they will ever know. Some of Lori’s fondest memories were watching Michael play baseball in summer, and both high school and college football in the fall. She truly enjoyed finding her basement full of boys playing video games.
Upon her retirement, Lori was blessed to be able to live with Elizabeth and her family and watch her first three granddaughters be born. There was nothing better during that time than the pool, BBQs, and laughs with the best neighbors, Judy and Ivan Kohlmeier. Lori also enjoyed taking trips to see her brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Peg, who held a special place in her heart.
Christmas was her favorite time of year and she cherished the last Christmas at Mike and Katy’s that resulted in an amazing photo. Our family truly was the jolliest of all. If you knew Lori, you knew that her business, Libby’s Lights, was a true blessing in so many ways. Her talent in creating art allowed her to meet so many new friends along the way.
Lori is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Glasscock, nee Babinski, of Swansea, IL; her 3 granddaughters of whom she was very proud and who will miss her immensely, Samantha Michelle of Chicago, IL, Delaney Violet, and Gabrille Ryan; and their father, Ryan Glasscock of Columbia, IL. Thank you, Ryan, for the many laughs and memories. Also surviving are Lori’s son, Michael and his wife, Katy, nee Warnecke, Babinski of Aviston, IL. Katy is the perfect addition to her son’s life and an amazing mother to the youngest of Lori’s grandchildren, Andrew Michael and Taylor Jan, who made Lori smile in everything they did. They were also Lori’s world; she was so excited to watch them grow. Lori’s only regret was that she did not have enough time with all of her grandchildren. Lori’s brother and sister-in-law, Terry and Margaret Scandrett of Bloomsdale, MO, her sister, Cheryl Wimmer of O’Fallon, IL, and many nieces and nephews also survive.
Lori wanted to thank all of her friends who supported her and Elizabeth over the past year, especially Carrie Stark (2nd daughter), Sharon Braun (the Thelma to her Louise), Danna Underhill, Debbie Craig, Patty Sheehan, Marianne Basler, Barb Bagby, June Gagen, and Janet Wolf. It was always a party whenever any of them were around. The family also thanks Lori’s home health team, including Tim, Arlene, Tara, and Dennis, and Megan Frierdich and the entire staff at Bria in Columbia, IL for the last week of care. Lori truly felt at home there.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider donations to the John Sheehan Memorial Volleyball Scholarship at McKendree University, Bria of Columbia, or BJC Hospice.
In following Lori’s wishes, there will be no services at this time. A memorial will be held at a later date.
