Lena LaBarbera

Lena LaBarbera of Bryan, Texas passed into the arms of her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday June 21, 2025 in College Station at the age of 97. Lena died the way she lived; quietly with peace and dignity.

Lena was born November 29, 1927 to Frank and Katherine (Caronna) Loria at home in Highbank, Texas. She was the last of 12 children. As the youngest child, she said she went from lap to lap for the first few years of her young life and was spoiled by her parents and siblings -she loved it. She went to school first in a one room schoolhouse in Highbank, and later in Reagan, Texas. Her family moved off the farm in early 1943 and she finished her last two years of high school at Sam Houston High School in Houston where she graduated in 1944 as a distinguished member of the National Honor Society. She worked at various jobs in Houston until she married. She worked at Sears in Bryan and in College Station in the catalog department where she retired after many years of service.

She was a devoted member of St. Anthony’s Church where she was a member of the Altar Society and the women’s bible study group. Lena’s devotion to Jesus Christ was exemplified by praying her rosary and devotional prayers daily.

She was a generous and kind person who always made sure her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren were “taken care of” for their birthdays and Christmas. Her family knew and felt her unconditional love.

Of course, as most Italian mamas are known for, Lena could cook the best pasta, sugo (sauce), and meatballs ever. She was especially known for making her famous salads for all family gatherings. She loved chocolate, especially Hershey’s Kisses, was a voracious reader, and subscribed to The Reader’s Digest for over seventy years.

Lena is survived by her loving son Sam and wife Donna. Grandchildren Steven and Katherine Anne and husband Omar and great grandchildren Kayla and Lyla. She is also survived by her loving son Frank and wife Dana. Grandchildren Kristen and Ryan and wife Morgan. Lena’s grandchildren and great grandchildren gave her immense joy throughout her life. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews who loved her as much as she loved them.

Lena was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 53 years Tony “Sonny” LaBarbera and her parents Frank and Katherine Loria as well as all of her eleven siblings and numerous nieces and nephews. The legacy of love and strength she leaves behind will be felt by her family forever. We will always remember her sweet smile.

The family wishes to send their thanks and gratitude to everyone at Luminos Hospice including John Lampo and nurses Kameron, Mary, Lauren and K.K. who cared for Lena with gentleness and love. Thanks also to Sarah, who cared for Lena early in her hospice journey. We also want to thank the staff at Jo’s Peaceful Heart, especially owner Faye Steptoe and caregiver Devon, who gave her loving and personal care for the last few months of her life.

Visitation will be held at Callaway-Jones Funeral Home in Bryan on July 7, 2025 from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM followed by a rosary at 7:00 PM. A mass in celebration of her life will take place on July 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM at St. Anthony's Catholic Church with burial to follow at Mt. Calvary Catholic Cemetery in Bryan.

“She is clothed with strength and dignity and she laughs without fear of the future.” Proverbs 31:25. That scripture epitomized Lena’s outlook on life.

Eternal rest grant unto her, O Lord. And let perpetual light shine upon her. May her soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

A life is like a garden. Perfect moments can be had, but not preserved, except in memory.