Anne Laib

A loving wife, mother, grandmother, and sister, Agnes “Anne” Laib, 91, of Williamsburg, Virginia, died Saturday, January 27th, 2024. Anne was born on June 18, 1932 in Union, New Jersey, the daughter of Frank and Agnes (Amberg) Tell.

Anne was a tenacious spirit who lived life fully and with intentionality. Anne graduated from Otterbein University in 1953 with a bachelor's degree in music education, and she later earned a master’s degree in library sciences from Seton Hall University in 1969. After graduating from Otterbein University, Anne married the love of her life, Robert “Bob” Dale Laib, on January 30, 1954.

Early in their marriage Anne and Bob lived in various locations during Bob’s active-duty Navy service, followed by over 35 years in New Jersey where they raised their family. From 1969 until her retirement in 1993, Anne was employed by the Berkeley Heights school system at William Woodruff Elementary school as a librarian. After retirement, Anne and Bob moved to Lanoka Harbor, NJ, but ultimately settled in Williamsburg, VA, where they have resided since 1996.

A leader throughout her life, Anne served as an exceptional example of strength and service to both her community and her family. As a young adult, Anne was the president of Tau Epsilon sorority, president of her collegiate dance club, and secretary and treasurer of the Otterbein College band and brass ensemble. After moving to Williamsburg Landing in 2007, Anne managed the community flea market for many years and, being a voracious reader, volunteered for 16 years with the Williamsburg Landing library where she selected literature to expand the library’s collection. Passionate about music, literature, and education, Anne’s go-getter attitude and passion for her pursuits was infectious. When Anne set her mind to something, she was unstoppable. Her family recalls fondly Anne’s pride in her first-place win in a 5k run/walk race in her advanced age group.

Sharp-minded and never one to idle, Anne always stayed engaged with a variety of pursuits. She played viola and baritone horn until retirement, attended an untold number concerts throughout her life, and especially loved classical music and brass choir. She spent many summers at Tanglewood listening to the Boston Symphony Orchestra. Anne also took up golf at age 65 and played bridge regularly throughout the years. She enjoyed speaking of the lovely groups of friends she made throughout these endeavors. Anne was also a long-time member of Saint Bede Catholic Church in Williamsburg.

She cared for her family with an even deeper commitment and determination, mindful to never miss a birthday or anniversary and always willing to go the extra mile to support those around her. She was touched to have had the opportunity to meet her new great-grandson in 2023. Her family will greatly miss her kind heart and strength of character.

Anne is survived by her loving husband, Bob Laib; three children, Debora (Jim) Owen, David (Jean) Laib, and Susan Laib; five grandchildren, Katherine (Mark) Tom, Jeneva (Justin) Cronin, Andria (Casey) Laib Jenkins, Robert J. Laib, and David McEuen; one great-grandchild, Reid Cronin; and her brothers, Ronald Tell and Bob Tell. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Richard Tell and Charles Tell; and by her son-in-law, Steve McEuen.

A Memorial Service will be held for both Anne and Bob Laib on Saturday, January 25, 2025, at 2:00 pm in the Williamsburg Landing Charter Room, 5500 Williamsburg Landing Drive, Williamsburg, VA.

A Celebration of Life and Memorial Garden Interment for both Anne and Bob Laib will be held on June 7, 2025, at 11:00 am at Liberty Corner Presbyterian Church, 45 Church Street, Liberty Corner, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to either Williamsburg Landing Library (mail: Sally Wolfe, Williamsburg Landing, 5700 Williamsburg Landing Drive, Williamsburg, VA 23185; online giving: www.Williamsburglanding.org/giving); or St. Bede Catholic Church (mail: Saint Bede Catholic Church, 3686 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA 23188; online giving: www.bedeva.org)