Rosalind Kay “Roz” LaBarbera, 76 years old, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on April 11, 1946, to Frank Accurso LaBarbera and Lillie Ficarrotta LaBarbera in Lake Charles, La.
Roz earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Louisiana State University, was a member of Chi Omega sorority and a lifelong Tiger fan. She began her working career as an Elementary School P.E. teacher. She proudly served, until retirement, for over 40 years as a sales representative in the optical eyewear industry. She excelled in her work and was ever loyal and passionate in her vocation, servicing her accounts and developing relationships with the people she called upon.
Roz celebrated 40 years in optical sales while working with Silhouette, where she was honored multiple times with awards, including Key Account Developer, Regional Account Executive, the Million Dollar Club, Sales Representative of the Month, the President’s Club Award, Account Executive of the Year, Adidas Rep of the Region, Sales Rep of the Region, and Region of the Year.
Roz enjoyed traveling and was always ready for an adventure. She had a special gift of hospitality and cherished entertaining her friends and family. She had a great love for cultivating and nurturing lasting friendships and was loved by all. She loved reading and preserving family recipes and the art of a good handwritten note to the people she loved. She adored her Dachshunds Zoe and Coco and spoiled many animal friends throughout her lifetime.
Those left to cherish her memory are her brother, Frank A. LaBarbera Jr. (Charlotte); her niece, Trena LaBarbera Soileau; her nephews, Richard and Michael LaBarbera; her great-nieces, Tristan and Mikeala Hager, Lily LaBarbera, Isabella Soileau; and her great-nephew, Sean Hager; her Tampa cousins, Rosemary Ficarrotta Higdon, Joseph Ficarrotta, the Honorable Ronald Ficarrotta, and Dominic “Sonny” LaBarbera (Gigi). She was preceded in death by her parents.
A Memorial Gathering will be held from 1 p.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 30, 2022, in the Johnson Funeral Home Chapel, located at 4321 Lake Street, Lake Charles, LA 70605. At her request, cremation has been entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home. Inurnment will be in Mimosa Pines South Cemetery at a later date.
The family would like to give thanks to her special caretaker and friend Tracy Ozane, and caretaker Pat Guillory, Andy Shoman, who cares for her cherished animal companions, and countless friends and neighbors for their outpouring of love and support.
Words of comfort to the family may be expressed at www.johnsonfuneralhome.net.