Courtney Taylor Barbella

It is with incomprehensible sadness to announce that sweet beautiful Courtney Barbella passed away on Friday, September 6, 2024. She was always so very brave, strong, and optimistic that she would win her private battle against cancer. Through all the pain and agony that she faced daily, she NEVER gave up fighting. Her family and friends never gave up their hope for her and everyone held strong onto their faith and prayed for her every day that she would beat this horrible disease. Sadly, this proved to be a fight that she couldn’t win. Ultimately, God had made a decision that none of us ever envisioned or were prepared for. God needed another angel in heaven and he chose Courtney. She was surrounded by loving family and friends up until her last moment. We are all completely heartbroken and each and every day going forward will be a struggle on how we will live our lives without Courtney in this world. If love could have saved her, she would still be here with us.

Courtney was born on February 15th, 2000 to Thomas and Colleen (Loch) Barbella. She is survived by both her parents and her brothers, Thomas and Matthew, as well as her faithful canine companions Chewbacca, Cooper, Max, and Bear.

Born and raised in Syosset, New York, Courtney graduated from Our Lady of Mercy Academy in 2018, and went on to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Communications at Loyola University in Maryland in 2022. Courtney is remembered fondly by faculty and student body alike for her kind and gentle spirit, an eagerness to learn and her wonderful enthusiasm and unique perspective on life. She was so funny and cared about everyone around her.

Courtney had many hobbies and passions that reflected her fun-loving personality and witty sense of humor. She liked to attend concerts and festivals where she discovered new music and trends. She was an avid gamer and often challenged her brothers and friends with her high scores during their many game nights. Courtney loved to going to restaurants and being around those she loved. She enjoyed writing, creating short films and animation shorts and loved watching a wide variety of films and TV shows. She had an amazing artistic talent and she was so creative with everything she did.

Courtney loved hosting everyone frequently at her home for dinners, movie nights, sleepovers and her annual Friendsgiving dinners. She loved driving her Jeep around with the wind in her hair. Throughout her journey, Courtney had a vast circle of friends who created many beautiful memories with her and who stayed by her side through the most difficult times of her illness. Even during her lowest of times, Courtney was always eager to support those around her, and was always ready to help anyone who needed it - however she could. She will forever be terribly missed by those who were truly blessed to be her family and friends.

A visitation for Courtney will be held Tuesday, September 10, 2024 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Beney Funeral Home, 79 Berry Hill Road, Syosset, NY 11791. A funeral mass will take place on Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 9:45 AM at St. Edward the Confessor Roman Catholic Church, 205 Jackson Ave, Syosset, NY 11791. An interment will follow at Locust Valley Cemetery, 117 Ryefield Rd, Locust Valley, NY 11560.