Babette Rose Book's Obituary
Babette Rose Longboat Book was born September 5, 1927, in Washington Heights, New York, to her father, Charles Longboat, Sr. and her mother, Adrienne Crouzet Longboat. She is survived by her beloved brother, Robert and his family; her children, Clarence M. Book III (Butch) of Tucson, Arizona, and daughter, Laura J. Perlman of St. Petersburg, Florida; her grandchildren, Philip Book of Tucson, Arizona, James Book, whereabouts unknown, and Jesse Book of Mt. Dora, Florida, Christine A. Bostick of Tampa, Florida, and Michael B. Perlman of St. Petersburg, Florida; four great grandchildren, Donald Book of Fair Play, South Carolina, Amanda M. Graley of Valdosta, Georgia, Kayla C. Mullins and Elizabeth R. Bostick (who graduated with honors from Boca Ciega High School this year) of St. Petersburg, Florida; and many nieces and nephews whom she regarded with much love and fondness.
Babette, who was affectionately known as Babs, was welcomed to eternal life by her beloved father, Charles Longboat, Sr., mother, Adrienne C. Longboat, brothers, Adrian Longboat, Charles Longboat, William Longboat, and Thomas Longboat, daughter, Barbara, son, Clifford A. Book, grandson, Shawn Book, goddaughter, Alisa Ruiz, her lifelong friends, Bob and Florence Lomas, Gloria and Milan Ilovic, Gerry and Alex Denham, and Iris Ruiz, all of whom she cherished.
Babette retired from civil service from Kings Park Psychiatric Hospital on Long Island, New York, as a nurse’s aide. She worked the graveyard shift several decades in devoted support of her three children with grace and dignity as a single mother.
Babette was a devoted parishioner of Holy Cross Roman Catholic Church in St. Petersburg, Florida, once she retired and until her infirmities prevented further attendance.
Babette was universally regarded as a warm and generous spirit who could be solemnly trusted to keep a confidence, but was known to disclose intimate and embarrassing details of her children’s illnesses to her closest friends and relatives.
Many might credit Babette’s longevity to her advocacy and practice of good eating habits, temperance and participation in the Tyrone Square Mall walking club. But those closest, credit her positive outlook, faith, and love of ice cream, licorice, and spearmint leave candy.
Sadly, Babette valiantly and stoically braved the ravages of dementia during the last four years of her life. She was known to bemoan the fate of cut flowers sacrificed in gift to her and discouraged this practice throughout her life. Though Long Island Lilacs were here favorite flower, in both color and fragrance, she most certainly would prefer donations in lieu of flowers be made to Suncoast Hospice, who blessed her with their steadfast guardianship in the last year of her life despite the isolation and challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. It was through their assistance, Babette was able to be comforted by her nephew, Robie Longboat, niece, Teresa Longboat, granddaughter, Christine Bostick and great granddaughter, Elizabeth Bostick, in her final days. Babette took her last breaths in the company of her daughter, Laura, on the evening of July 2, 2020.
May God bless and keep all of you until she welcomes you into the kingdom of Heaven.
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