Northampton, former longtime Amherst resident Marjorie Sanderson Babb, 86, mother, grandmother, business woman, friend, and community volunteer, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at the Rockridge Retirement Community. Marj was born February 23, 1931 at the family farm house in Whately, the daughter of the late William E. and Madeline {Gifford} Sanderson. She attended local schools in Whately, and was a graduate of Deerfield High School, class of 1948. She later graduated from Northampton Commercial College.  Marj began her business career as the bookkeeper at Frampton Buick in Amherst.  She owned and operated Pray Street Laundry, Amherst Sunshine Ice, Amherst Sunshine Center Laundromat, and Amherst Sunshine Car Wash for over 40 years. She was a member of the Whately Grange for 72 years, the National Grange, and the Whately Historical Society. Marj was an active member of the Amherst Senior Center, a member of Amherst Police SALT, a precinct warden for Amherst elections, and a generous supporter of every charitable request she received.  Marj always had a smile for everyone and will be dearly missed by those who love her.  She will be remembered for the countless acts of kindness she gave to those most in need.  She was adored by her family and is survived by her two sons Raymond, his wife Melanie and their daughters Marisa and Mackenzie and Richard, his wife Connie with their children Richard and his wife Kristin, Andrew, Ashley, and James.  The family is very grateful for the loving care given to Marj by Dr. Andrew Hall, Rockridge staff, Comprehensive Home Care, and Cooley Dickenson VNA Care.  A Memorial Service will be held at the Whately Congregational Church at 10:30 on Wednesday, August 30 followed by acommittal service in Whately Center Cemetery. Calling hours at the Douglass Funeral Service in Amherst will be Tuesday, Aug. 29, from 4-7 PM. Obituary and memorial register at www.douglassfuneral.com.  In lieu of flowers memorial gifts may be made to Rockridge or the Whately Congregational Church.