Dresden, N.Y. – It is with heartfelt regrets to announce Grandma Jennie, Jennie (Smith) LaBarr, 100, passed away April 27, 2023, at her home surrounded by family. She was born April 4, 1923, in Apalachin, N.Y., the daughter of Frederick Smith and Ella (Dressing) Smith. Jennie lived with the Coffin family in Bellona as a teenager.
Jennie graduated from Penn Yan Academy in 1942. She married William R. LaBarr on November 1, 1942. They settled in Dresden where they raised eight children. Jennie was a member of TOPS and celebrated being a KOPS with the support of the other members. She joined the Seneca Lake Chapter of Eastern Star. She had a love for the teaching at Good Samaritan Baptist Church and remained an active member since the 1900s. Even at 100 she could be found knitting or crocheting and would never sell her beautiful works of art but gave them away with love.
In addition to her parents and stepparents Charles Mathews and Isabel Smith, she was predeceased by her husband, brothers Frederick Smith, Orris Smith, sisters-in-law Lois (LaBarr) Tillotson, Barbara LaBarr, and Wescena Smith and brother-in-law John LaBarr. Others who predeceased her were daughter Luana and sons William, Jr., and Leon LaBarr Sr., grandchildren Daryl Parkhurst, Bruce LaBarr, Jr., and Michael LaBarr and nephew Robert Smith.
Surviving children are Yvonne Thomas; Lyle (Karen) LaBarr Sr. of Dundee; Carolyn Ames of Dresden; Bruce LaBarr Sr. of Douglas, Ariz.; and Alonzo (Pamela) LaBarr of Himrod; and daughter-in-law Jackie LaBarr. She leaves behind several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-greatgrandchildren, nieces, and nephews all of which she loved so much.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, May 13 at noon at Good Samaritan Baptist Church, Dresden. Spreading of ashes immediately following and a reception at the Dresden Fire house at 1 p.m. We thank the Hospice of Yates County and the Jarmusz-Cotton Funeral Home in Victor for the service they provided guiding us through this difficult time.