Darla Jean Babiel

Darla Jean Babiel, age 81, joined the angels in heaven on May 7, 2025. A tenacious, strong-willed, and sometimes stubborn woman, she passed away peacefully at Transitions LifeCare in Raleigh, NC surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 15, 1944, in Johnson City, NY, to Robert Thomas Ondrusek and Betty C. Manouse, Darla lived a full life marked by love, service and devotion. She was a registered nurse, a devoted wife, a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.

Darla was happiest surrounded by her family, but also found great joy in sewing, nature, and animals-especially her beloved dog, Tuffi. Her heart was full, and her love was generous.

She was married for 59 beautiful years to the love of her life, John J. Babiel with whom she shared countless memories since their wedding on September 18. 1965.

She survived by her husband John, and their children: Paula Stinson (husband Iain), John T. Babiel (Christine), and Rebecca Reilly (husband Patrick). She was a proud grandmother to Brittany, Connor and Alyssa (Paula’s children), and Hannah, David and Sean (Rebecca’s children). She was also a cherished great-grandmother to Arianna and Brayden. She was preceded in death by her sister Karen Sullivan.

A funeral mass service will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church, 804 High House Rd., Cary, NC, on Thursday, May 15 at 10:00 a.m. with inurnment in the church columbarium and then a reception to following.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in honor of Darla to the Transitions LifeCare at 250 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, NC 27607, or online at transitionslifecare.org/donate. Darla’s strength, love, and humor will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Memorial tributes and messages of sympathy can be left by clicking the "Add a Memory" box below. Brown Wynne of Cary is honored to serve the Babiel family.