Babette Emery Ehemann's Obituary
A long, rich life of service, faith and love came to an end Tuesday morning. Babette Emery Ehemann, a resident of the Trezevant Terrace, leaves behind a loving family and many special friends.Mrs. Ehemann was the widow of native Memphian John Morris Ehemann. She is survived by her family: Rosalen Cline (Robert), Babette Lombardo (Frank L), Tina Morris (Richard), John Morris, Jr (Teresa) and Lorna Benson (Walter). Additionally, she leaves behind nine grandchildren: Frank L (Larry) III, John Emery Cline, Rachel Ehemann, Christopher R. Cline, Daniel Ehemann Benson, John Travis Benson, Babette Alicia Lombardo, John Michael Ehemann, Meredith Grace Ehemann and two great grandchildren: Phoenix Rosa Morrow and Sophia Marie Lombardo.Mrs. Ehemann was born in Dunedin, New Zealand, the only daughter of Rosina Eleanor and Ladislas J. Emery. Mrs. Ehemann fondly remembered a childhood spent in the New Zealand countryside on her father’s sheep stations. She completed her secondary education at St. Mary’s Boarding School, then graduated from the University of Auckland. She was only months away from completing her medical degree at the University of Auckland when World War II broke out. During the war, Mrs. Ehemann served as an Operating Room Supervisor. Mrs. Ehemann met her future husband while he was stationed in New Zealand with the U. S. Navy.Her journey to the states to marry the man that captured her heart, was made on a cargo transport – a tale Mrs. Ehemann retold many times throughout her colorful life.Upon settling into Memphis Mrs. Ehemann joined the research staff at the University of Tennessee Medical School and ultimately was co-published on two occasions for research on seizures in pediatric neurology; this research is still sited in work today.Mrs. Ehemann took time off from her professional medical career long enough to raise her children. She then went back to work at the tumor registry at Methodist Hospital. Mrs. Ehemann was then recruited to develop the tumor registry at St. Francis Hospital; a position she held for approximately 20 years.Whether working or raising her family, Mrs. Ehemann always made time to give back to the community that welcomed her so warmly.She was a founding member of St. Louis Catholic Church; was one of the earliest members and officers of LeBonheur Womens’ Sewing Club (which ultimately grew into what is now known as LeBonheur Club which supports the hospital and its foundation); was a member and officer of Madonna Circle and the Madonna Day School, the Cenacle Retreat League, Beaux Arts Club, the St. Louis Guild, the Serra Club, was a Dame of the Knights of the Holy Sepulcher and served on the Development Board for the Catholic Diocese of Memphis.Memorials may be made to Christian Brothers University, LeBonheur Children’s Hospital, Madonna Day School or St. Louis Catholic Church.The family will receive relatives and friends on Saturday, September 22 from 10am until the time of mass at 11am at St. Louis Catholic Church, 203 South White Station Road in Memphis. The burial will immediately follow at Memorial Park Cemetery.To view the Tribute Slideshow, click here: https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/NS6R74JHPJ792B47
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