Obituary of Georgina E. La Barbera

Georgina Ethelbert (Mart) La Barbera, aka Jean, 100, of Columbia, MD, and formerly of New Milford, NJ, died peacefully on January 18, 2022, after a long and fulfilling life. She was the beloved wife for 63 years of the late Mario R. La Barbera, former Mayor of New Milford, NJ (1951-62). Born the first of nine children in Cylinder, Freedom Township, Palo Alto County, IA on March 21, 1921, she was the daughter of Peter and Margaret (Neu) Mart. Georgina graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School in Pocahontas, IA and received her R.N. degree from the St. Joseph Mercy School of Nursing in Sioux City, IA. While working as a nurse at the hospital in 1946, she married her husband, who was stationed at the US Army Air Forces base in Sioux City. She was an active member of the St. Joseph ( Oradell, NJ ) and Holy Trinity ( Hackensack, NJ ) Catholic parishes. Georgina, who was a gifted pianist and soprano, performed for many years in church choirs and in the Bergen Chorale. She and her late husband, Mario (d. 2009), loved attending performances of the Metropolitan Opera in New York. She was an avid entertainer who instilled in her family a love of visual and performing arts, fine dining, and spectacular celebrations. More than anything she enjoyed frequent trips to experience the history and culture of Europe . She will be remembered for her determination and dedication to family and friends. She is survived by her five children: Julie A. Lynch and her spouse Kevin J. Lynch of Washington Township, NJ, and Jupiter, FL, Dr. Andrew R. La Barbera and his spouse Craig B. Highberger of Senoia, GA, Jane M. La Barbera and her spouse Stephen P. Murphy of Washington, DC, Jennifer R. La Barbera and her spouse William Goldsmith of Silver Spring, MD, and Peter R. La Barbera and his spouse Roberta (Lee) of South Deerfield, MA; eleven cherished grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Georgina is survived by two sisters Eileen Dagit and Donna Groff, and her brother Walter Mart, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and life-long friends. Interment at St. Joseph 's Cemetery ( Hackensack , NJ ) mausoleum beside her husband will be held on February 5, 2022, at 12 Noon with Rev. Paul Prevosto officiating. A memorial mass will be held at Holy Trinity Church in Spring 2022. The family expresses their heartfelt appreciation to her caregivers at Sunrise of Columbia (MD) who all contributed loving and exceptional care over the last four years. May her memory always be a source of strength and a blessing. Arrangements conducted by G. Thomas Gentile Funeral Service, 397 Union Street, Hackensack, NJ 07601. In lieu of flowers, donations should be made to the Renovation Fund for Holy Trinity Church in Hackensack, 34 Maple Avenue, Hackensack, NJ 07601.