Kathleen Labonge

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Kathleen Schuyler Labonge, 65, on Sunday, May 25, 2025, at New Hanover Regional Medical Center.

Born in Oneonta, New York, Kathy was the cherished daughter of the late Richard J. Schuyler and Jeanne (Beams) Schuyler. She began her collegiate years at D'Youville University and completed her Clinical Laboratory Science degree at the University of Virginia. It was while working in the labs at UVA after graduation that she met Carl, who would become her beloved husband of 40 years. They married in Charlottesville, Virginia, and their shared journey continued with a move to Georgia, where they both earned their MBAs. Their children were born in Shelby, North Carolina, and when both were very young, the family relocated to Greensboro, North Carolina, spending 26 years building a life together. Kathy embodied the spirit of "swim mom" extraordinaire. From her children's first strokes of summer league swimming through their collegiate careers, she was a constant support and cultivated many cherished lifelong friendships along the way.

In 2015, Kathy furthered her education with a Certificate in Copyediting. She channeled her diverse educational and work expertise into building her own successful freelance medical copyediting business, Write Point Editing Solutions. She was passionate about growing her business, constantly striving to be her best, and built strong relationships with her many clients.

Beyond her professional life, Kathy had a remarkable ability to uplift those around her. She was generous with her time and talents, and was an integral part of her church community and many local organizations. She was passionate about volunteering as an adult reading and language arts tutor. In 2022, Kathy and Carl moved to Leland, North Carolina, where they built their dream home together and enjoyed life by the coast. Although she was not in Leland for long, her presence had a profound impact on the many friends and neighbors who came to know and love her.

Her life was marked by generosity, integrity, and selflessness. She had a wonderful sense of humor, often finding joy in laughter, and approached life with exceptional patience and deep compassion. A devout Catholic, she found immense strength and peace in her faith and in the Lord. She was deeply devoted to loving and serving her family.

Kathy is survived by her beloved husband, Carl Alexander Labonge III; her loving children, Carl Alexander Labonge IV and his wife, Courtney Lynn Labonge; and Natalie Labonge Gagnon and her husband, John Charles Gagnon Jr. She adored her grandchildren, John Charles Gagnon III and Adelyn Beverly Labonge, who brought immeasurable joy to her life. She is also survived by her mother, Jeanne (Beams) Schuyler, and her sister-in-law, Toni Schuyler. She was preceded in death by her father, Richard J. Schuyler, and her brother, Richard Schuyler Jr.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Mark Catholic Church, 1011 Eastwood Road in Wilmington, North Carolina (910) 398-6508. Service will be on Friday, June 13th at 2 PM. Inurnment will follow the Mass, with a reception at the family home in Leland to conclude the services.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to your local animal rescue or to Reading Connections