Carmen E LaBarba

Carmen Euleta LaBarba, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and friend, died peacefully at home December 31, 2021, after a battle with cancer. Her beautiful spirit and bright smile will forever impact the people she knew and loved. Carmen was born in San Diego, California on April 2, 1942, and moved to Santa Monica, California, not long after her birth.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Lorin Keith Fox and Euleta McAllister Fox, her brother Gary Fox and her husband of 44 years, James L. LaBarba. She is survived by her daughter, Michelle K. Cook and her husband Kevin, her son Jason C. LaBarba and his wife Liane, her grandchildren James S. Cook, Kevin J. Cook, Lauren E. LaBarba, and Sarah H. LaBarba. She is also survived by many extended family members, nieces, nephews, very dear friends and her beloved cats, Foxey Lady and Luigi.

Carmen graduated from Santa Monica High School in 1960 and then attended Santa Monica City College, where she was a cheerleader. Carmen was crowned Ms. Westwood Village and went on to win the Miss California Girl of the Golden West pageant. She also had a part in the Walt Disney film, “The Absent-Minded Professor”, starring Fred MacMurray and Nancy Olsen-Keenan. After attending school in California, Carmen traveled to Dallas while working for American Airlines. Set up on a blind date, Carmen met the love of her life, James “Big Blue” LaBarba. Carmen and James wed in 1964 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Dallas. Many years after they married, Carmen started working for James’ produce brokerage firm, Ideal Sales, Inc. She was an avid traveler and bridge player for many years. Above all else, she was a friend to many.

In an effort to keep everyone safe from Covid-19, there will be a private entombment at Sparkman-Hillcrest Mausoleum with immediate family only, officiated by Father Alfonse Nazzaro of All Saints Catholic Church in Dallas. A video recording will be broadcast at 3:00 via YouTube on Wednesday, January 6, on the following link. https://youtu.be/y2GDTSSFW10

A celebration of Carmen’s life will be held at a later date to be determined. Honorary pallbearers are Doug H. Miller, Carl M. LaBarba, Carl M. LaBarba, Jr., Bill J. Clark, John C. Rutledge and Billy D. Gannon.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Scleroderma Foundation (Bluebonnet Chapter) ([email protected]) or the SPCA of Texas (spcaoftexas.org). Please feel free to open a bottle of champagne and raise a toast in honor of Carmen. She wouldn’t have it any other way.

“Live in the sunshine, swim the sea and drink the wild air.” Ralph Waldo Emerson