Rev. Mariann C. Babnis, Episcopal priest
Rev. Mariann Babnis of Lewes passed away Friday, Jan. 8, 2021. Mariann was born in Sharon, Pa., Aug. 8, 1957, and graduated from Hickory High School in 1975. In 1979, she received a bachelor’s degree from Clarion University (Pa.) in speech communications, where she was an award-winning public speaker as part of the Individual Events Speaking Team. In 1980, she received a master’s degree from Ohio University in communication/media studies.
Mariann’s early career landed her at NCTA - The Internet and Television Association in Washington, D.C., where she was director of association affairs, responsible for grassroots advocacy. She received her calling to become a priest and graduated with a master of divinity degree from Virginia Theological Seminary in 2004. Rev. Mariann Babnis was ordained an Episcopal priest for the Diocese of Washington in January 2005 in a ceremony at the Washington National Cathedral.
Rev. Mariann was dedicated in her service to God. Whether ministering to parishioners, presiding at relatives’ or friends’ weddings and funerals, she supported her extended family, friends and parishioners with her gift of faith and spirituality. She also served on the board of the Washington Episcopal Clergy Association from 2004-08. Her last cure was as interim rector at All Saints’ Church and St. George's Chapel, Rehoboth Beach.
Mariann had a deep interest in the arts, and regularly enjoyed symphony and ballet performances at the Kennedy Center and other Washington, D.C. theaters. She was active for a time with the Delaware Choral Society, practiced yoga and had recently become interested in pottery making. She also had an intense interest in social justice issues.
Mariann had a strong love and commitment to her extended family. Everywhere Mariann traveled in her work as a priest, she gained new family and helped to bring many parishes through periods of transition. She will be remembered for her gregarious laugh, the warmth of her personality and her ability to connect with people. She was loved by many and will be missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Francis and Catherine (Chmielowski) Babnis, and is survived by many extended family members, a large circle of friends and her two cats, Patches and Zack (the best cat ever!).
A celebration of life will be planned after the pandemic has passed. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent in Mariann’s name to St. Peter’s Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 464, Lewes, DE 19958, Southern Delaware Alliance for Racial Justice, P.O. Box 306, Lewes, DE 19958, or Just Us Cat Rescue, P.O. Box 32, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971-0032.
