Carol LaBar

Carol Labar passed away into eternal rest in the arms of our Savior on the first day of Spring, March 20, 2015. She was surrounded by her husband and family. Carol was born in Buffalo, New York on December 26, 1931 to Victor and Blanche Smyth Ericson. She graduated Bennett High School in Buffalo, New York and then graduated from Russell Sage University in Troy, New York in 1953. Carol married her true love Jack LaBar in August of 1953. Carol and Jack lived in several United States locations as Jack served in the US Army, before settling and raising a family in Pittsburgh, PA where they lived for 20 years. Jack, Carol and their children moved to Rotunda West, FL in 1974. After retirement, Jack and Carol moved to Palmetto, FL in 1997. Carol was a faithful member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Palmetto where she served as a Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Legion of Mary. Carol served on the Citizen Review Board of the Manatee County Clerk of Courts. She was a past president of the American Legion Auxiliary, Post 113, Rotunda West, FL. Carol volunteered for Englewood Emergency services and also volunteered as a Spanish/English translator for Manatee's Project Light. She also volunteered at Westminster Towers and Shores as well as many other Health care organizations and taught water aerobics in Palmetto. Carol was well known for her unique and original Parian Porcelain creations. She founded LaBar Parian, creating many pieces which are now part of prominent collections including a permanent collection at her college, Russell Sage and an exhibit at the Smithsonian Museum. Carol was proceeded in death by her son Douglas Richard LaBar. Carol is survived by her husband of 61 years, Francis Jack LaBar; son Michael John LaBar (Cindi), son Timothy James LaBar (Peggy); daughter Susan LaBar Benardo (Thomas) and son Stephen Thomas LaBar. Carol was much loved by everyone she encountered, especially her 5 grandchildren and 5 great-grandchildren. The Funeral Mass will be held on April 6 at 11:00 AM at Holy Cross Church in Palmetto. The Rosary will be prayed 15 minutes prior to the Mass. In lieu of flowers, Carol wished for donations to be made to Tidewell Hospice or for random acts of kindness to be committed on her behalf.