Mary Elizabeth (Babcock) Szrom, formerly of South Kingstown, Rhode Island, passed away peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2026. She was the beloved wife of the late Donald Szrom, with whom she shared 38 years of marriage.

Born on March 19, 1943, in South Kingstown, she was the daughter of the late Clement Babcock and Ruth (Graf) Babcock. She was the sister of the late Judith Brown and the late Alice Carol Babcock.

Mary was the loving mother of Karen Amber of Portsmouth, RI, Gregory Szrom of Long Valley, NJ, and Jennifer Crandall of Raynham, MA. She was a proud grandmother and leaves behind nine grandchildren, who brought her great joy.

A graduate of South Kingstown High School, Mary earned her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rhode Island, where she was a member of Alpha Chi Omega, and later received her Master of Library Science degree. She dedicated many years to education as a school librarian at Curvin McCabe Elementary School in Pawtucket, where she shared her love of books and learning with generations of students.

Mary cherished time spent with her family, especially family gatherings filled with laughter and togetherness. She had a deep love of gardening and was a member of several gardening clubs. She took great pride in her beautiful English flower gardens and her extensive vegetable garden, lovingly tending to her plants and enjoying the fruits of her work throughout the seasons.

Mary was an avid reader, with a particular appreciation for classic books and literature. She was also a huge fan of University of Rhode Island basketball and was a season ticket holder for more than 30 years, rarely missing the opportunity to cheer on her Rhody Rams.

A passionate Disney fan, Mary made many memorable trips to Walt Disney World and loved the magic, excitement, and memories she created there with her family. She also enjoyed traveling with her family, including cruises throughout Europe and memorable trips to Hawaii.

Mary will be remembered for her love of family, her kind heart, her love of reading and learning, and the many special memories she created with those she loved.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, September 21st at 10:00 a.m. at Peace Dale Congregational Church, 261 Columbia Street, South Kingstown, RI 02879. Burial will take place at New Fernwood Cemetery, Kingston, RI.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Peace Dale Congregational Church, 261 Columbia Street, South Kingstown, RI 02879.