Arija J. Babans, age 79, a resident of Wheaton, IL, died Thursday, January 3, 2013, at home.

Born in Latvia, Arija never forgot the country of her birth. She and her parents, Janis and Anna to whom she was devoted, immigrated to the United States when she was a young woman. Throughout her life Arija was actively involved in the Chicago Latvian Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church. Possessed of a servant’s heart and a keen wit, a devotee of opera and classical music, an avid reader in both Latvian and English, and a lover of cats and nature in general, Arija will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

She is survived by her childhood friend, Gunta Eglitis of Maryland; her close friend, Velta Liepins of Elmhurst; her dear friend from GTE, Millie Dutton and her husband, Leon of Alabama; the Datavs family of Wood Dale, Janis and Sue and their children Jason, Amber, and Michael; and her “adopted” daughter Laura Miguélez of Wheaton, who cared for her in her earthly home until the Lord received her into his eternal home.

Two funeral services, one in Latvian and one in English, will be held. The Latvian service will be on Sunday, January 13th at noon, at the Chicago Latvian Zion Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6551 West Montrose Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60634-1499. The English service will be held on Sunday, January 20th at 4:00 p.m. at Immanuel Presbyterian Church, 29 W 260 Batavia Road, Warrenville, Illinois 60555. Interment will be private at Oakridge Cemetery in Hillside, IL.