Heather Calahan-Babcock

Heather Calahan-Babcock, formerly of Holland, passed away due to unexpected complications from cancer surgery in Denver, CO, on August 9, 2016 at the age of 42. She is survived by her husband of 15 years, Jeffery; children, Owen (12) and Taylor (8) of Durango, CO; her parents, Hazel and Arnie DeFeyter of Holland; and brother, Jeffrey (Janira) Calahan of Pompano Beach, FL. She is also survived by her in-laws, Dwight and Derinda Babcock; sisters-in-law, Amber Bardin, and Courtney (Ryan) Smith of Colorado; as well as her uncle, John (Donna) Van Iwaarden of Holland; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Heather was born and raised in Holland, and graduated from Holland High School in 1992 and attended Western State College in Gunnison, CO. She graduated from Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, in 1996. After graduation, a road trip to our National Parks brought Heather to Durango. Her love for the mountains, hiking, biking, and skiing, kept her there for the past twenty years. She was employed in public relations with Bula for several years and was currently a realtor at Coldwell-Banker. Although Heather loved her life in Colorado, she also loved bringing her family back to Michigan to share her Holland roots.
Heather, beloved wife, mother, daughter, and friend, was loved and admired by many. Her passing has left a huge hole in all of our hearts. Though she is gone, she will never be forgotten.
A celebration of Heather's life will be held at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, September 7, at Grace Episcopal Church, 555 Michigan Avenue, Holland. A memorial service is also being held in Durango, CO on August 20.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to a college fund that has been established for Owen and Taylor Babcock. Checks can be made payable to the Owen and Taylor Babcock College Fund and sent to John R. Marquis, Trustee, Smith Haughey Rice & Roegge, 170 College Avenue, Suite 320, Holland, MI 49423.