Cathy Francis LaBar

Cathy Francis LaBar, 74, passed away peacefully, comforted by the love of her children and family on August 11, 2024, at the Massena Rehabilitation and Nursing Center. Cathy was born in Potsdam, NY on December 6, 1949, and was the daughter of the late Manley Lucas and Rita (Francis). She graduated from St. Regis Falls High School, Class of 1968. On November 28, 1970, she married Charles "Chuck" LaBar, Jr. They spent 23 years together and remained friends, sharing good laughs and fond memories at family events thereafter.

Cathy held several jobs throughout her life, but the one she truly enjoyed the most was working side by side with her sister at Price Chopper in Malone, and later at the Potsdam location. Her employment at these stores provided her so much joy as she was able to meet and greet so many wonderful people. Long after retirement, Cathy would voluntarily continue to organize store shelves and take time to connect with her former customers in the aisles by stopping to chit chat, ask how their family was doing, and/or be their personal shopping assistants. She would help them find the best deal, locate specific items, or share a laugh, a tear, a coupon, a piece of gum, or a hard candy. Cathy never stopped working!

She was also proud to serve as an Election Inspector for both the Franklin County Board of Elections and the St. Regis Falls Central School Budget Vote.

Cathy lived a life full of love, kindness, and unwavering support of those around her. She enjoyed dancing, country music, watching local and national sports, spending time with her family, running the roads, shopping, eating with friends at her favorite place The Village Diner in Potsdam, and almost everything about maple syrup. If you know, you know.

Her legacy lives on through her children and grandchildren and the many lives she impacted. She will be greatly missed by those she leaves behind: son, Darcy LaBar, Winthrop; son, Darrin & Toni LaBar, St. Regis Falls; daughter, Danielle LaBar and fiancée Edward Narrow, Winthrop; and daughter, Denise and Jarrod Davis, Potsdam. Grandchildren: Janelle, Brooke, and Rextyn LaBar; Caleb Green, Conner and Jenna LaBar; Abigail, Christopher, and Harrison Narrow; Riley, Logan, Noah, and Owen Davis. Great Grandchildren: Blakely Spears, Brady Andrus, Cruiz Green. She will also be missed by her brother, Tracy and Tracie Lucas of St. Regis Falls, and brother, Tony and Pam Lucas of Nicholville, as well as several nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Besides both of her parents she was also predeceased by her brother Timothy Lucas, her sister Judy Peck, and two grandsons, Brandon LaBar and Reed Davis.

For those wishing to express an act of kindness in honor of Cathy, do as she would do and be there for someone in need: Provide a comforting word, a ride to or from a doctor's appointment, mow an over grown yard, offer a piece of gum or a hard candy, call just to check on someone, take someone who doesn't drive on a shopping trip to buy personal items, help someone clean their house or office, babysit for parents to have a date-night, provide a shoulder to lean or cry on. Mema, as her younger grandchildren called her, was a constant source of strength and guaranteed compassion. Her generosity knew no bounds and she touched countless lives with her kindness and selflessness.

Cathy will be remembered as a beacon of love, a pillar of support, and a true example of what it means to live a life dedicated to others. She leaves behind countless friends and family who will continue to honor her memory by carrying forward the values she instilled in them. Cathy will be deeply missed, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

Arrangements are entrusted to Hammill Funeral Home in Winthrop, NY. A Graveside Memorial Service will be held at Mound Hill Cemetery in Nicholville, NY on Thursday, August 22, 2024, at 10:00 am.

Memories and condolences can be shared with Cathy's family at www.hammillfh.com.