Barbara 'Babs' Kager

Mary Barbara 'Babs' Kager, 86, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025, surrounded by family in Falmouth, Massachusetts. Born on July 26, 1939, in Mineola, New York, Babs lived a life marked by creativity, resilience, and a deep love for her family and friends.

Babs's academic journey reflected her insatiable curiosity and drive to grow. She earned her undergraduate degree from Newton College of the Sacred Heart before pursuing her passion for food at Johnson and Wales University, where she obtained a culinary degree. Never one to rest on her laurels, Babs later earned her doctorate in Gerontology from the University of Massachusetts, proof of her lifelong commitment to learning.

Her professional life was as dynamic as it was inspiring. Babs was ahead of her time when she transformed her love of cooking into a career. After graduating from Johnson and Wales, she founded Chefs-at-Large, a gourmet take-out and catering business that earned her recognition from the likes of Julia Child and Grill23. As the food scene evolved, so did Babs's focus. She turned her attention to the emerging field of Gerontology and earned her Ph.D. from UMass. Her work on elder workforce discrimination placed her at the forefront of conversations about equity in hiring, a cause that remained central to her career until her retirement.

Babs is survived by her children Christine and Jed; her son-in-law Stephen; daughter-in-law Terri; and five beloved granddaughters—Rosemary, Madelaine, Ashleigh, Brooke, and Courtney. She was predeceased by her son, Joseph. Her former husband and good friend James Spencer Tobin also mourns her passing. Babs will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

Outside of work and family life, Babs found joy in many hobbies. She loved cooking for family and friends, creating delicious dishes straight from the heart, and enjoyed sharing meals that brought people together. A devoted theater-goer with an encyclopedic knowledge of show tune lyrics, she could sing along with gusto to every tune. The White Mountains held a special place in her heart; she cherished skiing their slopes, hiking their trails, and swimming in the chilly waters of the Pemigewasset River.

Those who knew Babs will remember her dry wit and readiness for a good laugh. Her adventurous spirit led her to constantly challenge herself to grow, to live fully and fearlessly. She faced life's challenges with bravery and optimism and treasured every moment spent with those she loved.

May Babs's memory bring comfort to all who were fortunate enough to share in the warmth of her remarkable life. A Graveside Service will be held on October 14, 2025, from 11:00 AM at St Mary's Cemetery, 1 Wellesley Ave, Needham, followed by a reception at the Wellesley Country Club.