Barbara June LaBrosse

Barbara June LaBrosse Palo Alto, CA Barbara LaBrosse passed away on May 9, 2010 in Palo Alto, California. Formerly of Lansing, Barbara was born on May 28, 1928 in Auburn, Michigan to William and Esther Rosekrans. She began taking piano lessons from her mother at an early age, and also learned basic automotive mechanics from her father in his shop. When Barbara approached her high school years, the family moved to Bay City, where she attended Bay City Central High School, participating in musical activities that included playing the piano. She met her future husband, Henry LaBrosse, at Bay City Junior College. They both transferred to Michigan State University, and in 1951 Barbara and Henry were married in Bay City, the same year that Barbara graduated from MSU. Henry graduated from MSU in 1952. Barbara became a private piano teacher, continuing in this profession for 55 years until she and her husband moved to California in 2005. Many of her former piano students and their parents will remember Barbara for her patience, gentleness, and friendship. She is predeceased by her son, Matthew, who died in 1971 at the age of 15. Barbara is survived by her husband Henry and daughter Wynnette LaBrosse, both of Palo Alto, CA; her sister, Sara Schmerhim of Saginaw, MI; grandchildren Frank Levinson (spouse: Rebecca Levinson), Rose Levinson, and Alana Levinson-LaBrosse; and great-grandchildren, Henry and Francine Levinson (parents: Frank and Rebecca Levinson). A memorial service will be held at First Presbyterian Church of Lansing, MI, Molly Grove Chapel, on May 27, 2010, at 2 p.m. Friends are invited to attend a visitation prior to the memorial service from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Barbara was loved by all who knew her and will be missed by many. She will be remembered for her devotion to family and friends, her sense of humor, and her loving spirit. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes gifts to the Barbara LaBrosse Memorial Music Fund. This fund will be used to support music scholarships at Michigan State University. Please make checks payable to Tides Foundation/Barbara LaBrosse Memorial Music Fund, The Presidio, P.O. Box 29903, San Francisco, CA 94129-0903.