Mary Gayle Starke

Mary Gayle Starke passed away peacefully in Petaluma, California, on August 23, 2026, just days after celebrating her 89th birthday, surrounded by the love and prayers of her family.

A native of Port Allen, Louisiana, Mary Gayle Babin was born on August 18, 1937, and graduated from Louisiana State University. She moved to California at the age of 22. While teaching in Bakersfield, she met Frederick Thomas Starke. They married in 1966 and made their home in Petaluma, where they raised their family, and Mary Gayle would live for the next 60 years.

As a devoted mother and grandmother, Mary Gayle always kept her family at the center of her life. She loved raising her children and cheering them on through every stage of their lives, and treasured the opportunity to do the same as her grandchildren grew. A retired substitute teacher and homemaker, she was a devout Catholic and an active member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Petaluma. An avid walker and lifelong reader, she also enjoyed movies and television.

Mary Gayle is survived by her children, Tom, Barrett, and Suzy; her daughters and son-in-law, Kim, Reina, and Jason; her grandchildren, Jordan, Sydney, Madison, Nicolette, Hallie, Jansen, Jasper, and Justine; her great-grandchildren, Brooklynn and Brodie; her nieces and nephews, Brigette, Byron, Angie, Brandon, Elisa Clare, Dino, Carolyn, Dario, Gina, Bridget, R.D., and Christopher; her brother-in-law, Lauren Bettinelli; and many extended family members, dear friends, and neighbors.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of forty years, Fred Starke; her parents, Sidney J. Babin Sr. and Gladys St. Romain Babin; her brother, Sidney J. Babin Jr.; her sisters-in-law, Carolyn Kimball Babin Alexander, Maureen Bettinelli, and Kathleen DeBernardi; and her brother-in-law, Vernon DeBernardi.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Mary Gayle’s devoted friend and caregiver, Denise Lempriere, and to the many caregivers at Windsong of Sonoma and Providence Hospice of Petaluma, all of whom surrounded Mary Gayle with kindness and compassion.

Visitation will begin at 4:00 P.M. Tuesday, September 1, at Parent-Sorensen Mortuary & Crematory, 850 Keokuk St., Petaluma, with a Rosary at 6:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, September 2, at St. Vincent de Paul Church, 35 Liberty St., Petaluma. Interment will follow at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Petaluma.