Miss Mary J. LaBarbera

Miss Mary J. LaBarbera, age 90, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 8, 2015 at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, Inc. with the love and support of her family by her side. Born in Utica on March 19, 1925, Mary was the daughter of the late Girolamo “Jerry” and Rose LaBarbera. Raised and educated locally, she attended T.R. Proctor High School. During her working days, Mary was employed by the Gorea Trucking Company as a clerical secretary overseeing the needs of the office responsibilities. She subsequently held a position at Blue Cross/Blue Shield as a Claims Processor in the Medicare division. Mary was a wonderful woman who cared for her family in so many ways. She took the time to listen, empathize, and extend emotional support. She built loving relationships with her nieces and nephews and nurtured them in a motherly way. Caring for others filled her heart and fulfilled her life. She was also a devoted daughter to her parents, especially her father who was in her care until his passing. Mary was independent and adventurous, and to expand upon her lifetime experiences, she enjoyed traveling over the years. She hosted Saturday evening dinners for her family with meals that were prepared with love. Reading was a great source of entertainment for her, especially love stories, and tales based on years past. Because the Lord was a guiding light in her life she appreciated the wisdom she received from attending Mass and the comfort and peace from reciting the rosary. Mary is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Rosalie A. and Carmen D’Ambro of Utica; her brother and sister-in-law, Raymond, Sr. and Rose Marie LaBarbera of Frankfort; her cherished nieces and nephews, David D’Ambro, Roseann and Vincent Tutino, Christine and David Rosato, Karen D’Ambro, Michael and Marissa D’Ambro; Renee and Art Newman, Nicole and John Abel, Raymond and Christina LaBarbera, Marc Talerico, and Michael Talerico; several great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Anthony LaBarbera. The family is grateful to the numerous physicians who cared for Mary during her time of need; and the staff of the Birch Unit at the Presbyterian Home for CNY, especially Trista, RN and Ashley, for the personally respectful and kind way they cared for Mary during her stay; and to Rev. Tom Lorenz for his spiritual guidance. Visitation will be held Friday from 5-7 at the Eannace Funeral Home, Inc., 932 South St., corner of Hammond Ave. Memorial contributions may be considered to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) in lieu of floral offerings; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend Mary’s funeral service and Celebration of Life which will commence on Saturday morning at 11:00 at the St. Mary of Mt. Carmel/Blessed Sacrament Parish where her Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. James Cesta. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery. A complete obituary will follow.

Miss Mary J. LaBarbera

March 19, 1925 - September 8, 2015