We are pleased to present Mrs. Babette Shove as our June Resident Spotlight. Born in Verdun, France, on January 16th, 1940, during the challenging times of World War II, Mrs. Shove’s early experiences shaped her resilient character. She grew up in a family of five siblings, with her mother devoted to homemaking and her father managing the regional water plant.

Mrs. Shove attended an all-girls school and graduated from high school, beginning her journey into adulthood. Shortly thereafter, she married a Frenchman, and during this phase of her life, she served as a telephone operator for the American Forces for five years while proudly raising two sons. Following her divorce, Mrs. Shove took on a role as a secretary at a lab run by the American Forces, where she met her future husband, John F. Shove, who was then a lab technician.

Their paths eventually led them to Germany after John relocated following the departure of American troops from France. Although separated by distance initially, they maintained a devoted connection, culminating in their marriage. The couple spent three years in Texas before returning to Germany, where they enjoyed a fulfilling life for three decades. Mrs. Shove dedicated herself to her career with the American Forces for a commendable 40 years prior to her retirement in Germany.

In 2005, Mrs. Shove returned to the United States, settling in San Antonio, Texas, where she resided for 18 years. She is a proud mother of four children: three sons and a daughter. Additionally, she has welcomed a dear companion, a stray dog named Sofie, who, as Mrs. Shove affectionately puts it, “adopted.” Sofie has since become a cherished member of the family and an endearing presence here at Monark Grove.

Mrs. Shove is actively engaged in various hobbies, including reading the newspaper online in both German and French, maintaining connections with friends in France, and enjoying exercise at the Monark Grove gym. Her radiant spirit, along with her pet, Sofie, truly enriches our community, and they bring smiles and warmth to everyone fortunate enough to encounter them.