Jacqueline LaBar, of Long Valley, Passed Away

LONG VALLEY, NJ— A vibrant flower has bloomed radiantly, and will now rest until her next season.

Jacqueline LaBar, who was rooted in a deep sense of family, and sought to spread laughter, joy, and wonder to all she encountered, has passed on from this lifetime. She lived passionately, loved generously, and laughed heartily. She has left a legacy of kindness, empathy, and generosity of spirit that lives on with her beloved husband and high school sweetheart, Keith; her children Jessica, Garrett, and Brandon; their spouses Dan, Cindy, and Diane; and her grandchildren, Braeden, Finnegan, Kaiya, Cooper, Hannah, Jack, Benjamin, Ryder, and Aubrey, whom she loved with all her heart.

In addition to her deep love for her immediate family, Jacquie shared a strong bond with her cousins, aunts and uncles, dear brothers and brothers-in- law, sisters-in- law that she adored, and nieces and nephews that she doted over.

An avid gardener, she and Keith spent many a weekend creating a relaxing sanctuary in their backyard, where the family would often enjoy Sunday dinners after a day of “playing in the dirt”. Her joy amongst beautiful gardens was not contained to her backyard, as she volunteered 30+ years of her time and energy to the Garden Club of Long Valley, where she developed many long-lasting relationships with her cherished “GC Friends”.

Ever the hostess, she created as inviting a space in her home as she did in her gardens, ensuring that all were welcome, with each guest feeling like the most important person in the room. She always enjoyed a good party, and although she will no longer be able to attend in body, she has asked that her friends, family, and acquaintances reflect fondly on the many laughs that she enjoyed with each of you, while celebrating a life well lived.

Our loss will be heaven’s gain, and we have no doubt that this angel will be caring for scores of cherubs, as she did in this lifetime. For 30+ years, Jacquie, later known simply as Yaya to many, provided a warm and loving environment for young children to learn and grow at her in-home business, known as The Hunny Tree. Her kindness and warmth was felt by many more families as she later shared her time and love, volunteering at many of the local elementary schools and pre-K’s.

“I’ve watched the world through the eyes of a child, and seen nothing but beauty. And so, I am forever grateful for the daily gifts you have given me, and the words you have shared.”

Visitation will be held from 9:30 – 11:30 am on Friday March 24, 2017 at Galloway and Crane Funeral Home, 101 South Finley Ave, Basking Ridge, NJ, with a memorial service immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, the family wishes that donations be made to the following organizations:

• The gracious volunteers of the Long Valley First Aid Squad, who expertly cared for Jacquie and Keith with compassion and warmth in their times of need (https://www.lvfas.org/)
• The P.G. Chambers School, which has provided a loving environment for all children, including Hannah, to reach their highest potential, while serving as a leader in the field of special education and therapy services for 50+ years in Northern NJ. (http://www.chambersschool.org/giving-site/)

Image via Dan Twomey