Tancock, Alice Irene (?Babs?) died Jan. 27, 2007 after a long and valiant struggle with cancer. She had just turned 78. The daughter of Scottish immigrants George and Elsie Caldwell, Babs was born in Montreal and grew up in Toronto. After studying philosophy at Queen?s University, she flirted with a career in insurance but accepted a proposal of marriage from Ken Tancock instead. While the two raised four children, Babs also worked part-time tutoring unwed mothers and teaching English as a second language at summer school in Kingston to such eminences as the young Prince Nori of Japan. In 1983, Babs and Ken retired to Port Hope, where they dove enthusiastically into the cultural life of the community. For six years, Babs was president of the local chapter of Amnesty International, exhibiting a persuasive talent for fundraising for good causes. The Northumberland-Quinte NDP recently honoured her with a life membership. Warm, empathetic and always a willing listener, Babs was a beloved friend to many. A keen observer of the human condition, a masterful wordsmith and a born comedian, she penned letters that were tonic to the homesick and regaled company with stories that could reduce them to stitches. Determined to the very end, she faced adversity and delicate health with a steely determination, expertly managing diabetes for the past 30 years and teaching herself to play the piano again after breaking both wrists in a winter fall. Cheers to you, brave heart. Oh, how we will miss you. Survived by husband Ken Tancock, children Martha, Chris, Pam and Wendy, sons-in-law Jim Nolan and Chuck Simco, grandchildren Lucie and Johanna Simco, and Ben and Maxine Tancock; and brother Murray Caldwell. Deep gratitude to the Access Centre, Haliburton, Northumberland & Victoria, and nurses and caregivers from VON and St. Elizabeth Health Care. Friends will be received at the Allison Funeral Home, 103 Mill Street, North, Port Hope on Wednesday 2-4 and 7-9 pm. Memorial service Thursday February 1, 2007 at 1 pm. Donations to the Cobourg chapter of Amnesty International can be arranged by the funeral home. www.allisonfuneralhome.com