Gretchen Z. Babarovic

Gretchen passed away peacefully, on November 30, 2021, in Madison, Conn. after a short and valiant struggle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born June 15, 1938, she was the daughter of George Sperry Zahm and Barbara (Stellman) Zahm of Larchmont N.Y. She was married to John Anthony Babarovic for over 20 years until their divorce. They were both wonderful parents to their only daughter Christina Babarovic.

Gretchen will always be remembered and treasured by lifelong friends and family who benefitted from her wise counsel and generosity over the years. Her smile lit up a room, her green eyes always sparkled. Gretchen was known for her elegance and style, and many have reminisced how they loved her laugh - a warm, gentle response that was unmistakably hers.

A 1960 graduate of Cornell University in Art History, Gretchen defined her own exemplary standards as a daughter, wife, mother and journalist. Precise, efficient and with exquisite taste, Gretchen was known as everyone’s “rock” on whom they could always depend.

Gretchen spent more than two decades at ABC News as the respected executive assistant to anchor Peter Jennings. She was an invaluable colleague to him and a longtime friend to the Jennings family. Her front row seat to history allowed her to travel and experience the world and see it through diverse perspectives. In doing so, Gretchen’s friendships and influence touched many across the globe.

Devoted to intellectual pursuits, she was an advisor to the Civic Life Project, which works to educate high school and college students about civics and the democratic process through documentary filmmaking. She also devoted her time to The Salisbury Forum, a Connecticut organization that hosts guest speakers to promote the understanding of global issues.

As a sister, devoted mother and grandmother, she is missed beyond measure. She encouraged and enabled her family to achieve their dreams and helped to establish solid foundations for their continued success.

She will be missed by so many. She is survived by her sister, Cynthia Zahm, her daughter Christina Babarovic and granddaughter Alexandra Price, along with numerous cousins. Gretchen will be laid to rest on June 11, 2022, in the Oakwood Cemetery, Syracuse N.Y., alongside her parents.

To honor her memory, the family asks that donations be made in her name to:

Yale School of Medicine: Alzheimer’s Disease Research Unit, Dr. Christopher van

Dyke link: https://secure.yale.imodules.com/s/1667/52/cart/form.aspx?sid=1667&gid=52&pgid=5594&cid=14277&bledit=1&dids=589

The Connecticut Hospice in Branford, CT: link: https://www.hospice.com/honor-memorial-gifts/