Anna Rose LaBarbera
March 18, 1924 - October 17, 2016
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Anna Rose LaBarbera
March 18, 1924 - October 17, 2016
Obituary
Anna Gullo LaBarbera
March 18, 1924 – October 17, 2016
Anna Gullo LaBarbera, was born in Brooklyn, New York, the first child of Jim and Jennie Gullo. It was there on September 15, 1951, she met and married Vincent LaBarbera, and in 1952 Vince and Anna moved to Claremont, California where they lived for 45 years.
Anna was a Special Education teacher for the Claremont Unified School District, specializing in dyslexia. As a devoted volunteer, she spent countless hours as Director of Fundraising for her local chapter of the American Cancer Society, and Pomona Valley Hospital. In the time she lived in Claremont, Anna was a member of our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church where she was a Eucharistic Minister, and ministering Communion to the sick in their homes. She was also responsible for the planning and production of the Parish’s annual Fiesta and St. Joseph’s Table celebrations.
In 1997, Vince and Anna moved to San Juan Capistrano to live near their children and grandchildren. They both became parishioners in their local Catholic Church and it was through that association that Anna found fulfillment as a volunteer Docent for the San Juan Capistrano Mission, and member of the Mission Women’s Guild.
Anna will be remembered for her warmth, thoughtfulness, unceasing loyalty and devotion to her family and friends, her love of books and the opera, and especially for her amazing Italian cooking. She is survived by her son Vincent LaBarbera; daughter Diane Shepherd (David); grandchildren, Taylor and Nicholas LaBarbera, and Sara and Lauren Shepherd; nieces, Jeanne Gullo and Teri Gullo (Peter Linquiti); nephew Jim Gullo (Maria); great-niece Megan Linquiti and Roberta LaBarbera.
She was preceded in death by her husband Vincent; her brother Salvatore; and her parents Jim and Jennie.
3 responses to Anna Rose LaBarbera
Lauren Shepherd says:
October 20, 2016
Nana, you showed me how beautiful faith is as my confirmation sponsor and each day since. You showed me strength of spirit and the meaning of unconditional love. You’ve taught me so much and I know whenever my heart warms up, that light is my family’s doing and your lessons lead it all. I cherish the time we spent together, when you shared stories of independence, joy of dancing, and devotion in a love meant for the storybooks. It’s safe to say your stories were my favorite. But you were always there for what was real, in the moment, too. You celebrated the triumphs with your whole family and overcame the challenges in faithful stride. Your children and grandchildren are blessed to follow in your footsteps. You have always been an angel and you always will be. I miss you more than these words can express, so while I continue to sing to you, I listen for your caring words, that gentle voice. Ti amo, ti amo, ti amo per sempre.
Sara Shepherd says:
October 20, 2016
I keep thinking of her big smile and gentle hug and kiss as she opened the door when I came to visit her. We would talk for hours, and I’d have the pleasure of hearing her rich stories. I know she is proud of me and how I am following in her footsteps as I become a speech language pathologist, as she once worked with children with disabilities in special education. Nana brought me so much joy, and I miss her so much!
Francie Poling Grant says:
October 31, 2016
Dear Anna, I just loved hearing your stories of how you meet your beloved husband, Vince. I sure will miss you at our family gatherings. Rest in peace dear sweet lady.