Penelope Ann "Penny" LaBarthe

Penelope (Penny) Ann LaBarthe passed on Sunday September 5, 2021, at the age of 80. Penny was born in New Orleans, LA on April 10, 1941, to the late Oscar and Louise O'Connell LaBarthe. Penny leaves behind 4 siblings: John LaBarthe (Mary), Debbie Bradbury, Susan Metrejean (Butch) and Wendy Rachel (Mark). Penny also leaves behind many nieces and nephews. Penny was defined by her gift of teaching. Penny taught high school for 40 years at several New Orleans schools; Mc Main, St. Joseph, and Mt. Carmel Academy. Penny also worked many years at Devereux Behavioral Health in CA. After Katrina, Penny moved to the Northshore where she worked as an ESL teacher and tutored home school students. Although Penny never had her own children, she was a foster mother for two children, and was a surrogate parent for many of her students. Penny enjoyed living in New Orleans and being a part of Mardi Gras, Jazz Festival, the Opera, Art shows and many other New Orleans events. Since being a child, Penny had a very vivid imagination, which was evident in her stories that she wrote. Penny was a talented teacher who came alive in the classroom, but her real love was writing stories and journaling. One of Penny's many joys was pets. Penny had numerous dogs, large and small, which were her family and she spoiled them all. Penny and her Volkswagen van traveled the US, as she visited many places where she enjoyed the scenery and culture of the area. Penny was bright, friendly, caring and she never met a stranger. She put others first, despite her own needs. When Penny was unable to live independently, she would entertain everyone by singing and dancing. Penny was drawn to music, and she often found joy in singing. Her favorite sayings were, c'est la vie" (such is life) and "this is all too much for me". The family would like to thank the staff, especially Jennifer, at the Fidelis Home in Mandeville for the excellent care, and for making her feel like family, while encouraging her singing and dancing. We would also like to thank the staff of Passages Hospice, who became her friends and whom she trusted to care for her. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Northshore Humane Society, 20348 Harrison Ave., Covington, LA, 70433. Due to COVID-19, social distancing is encouraged and masks are required to attend services. Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Funeral Service at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W 21st Ave, Covington, LA 70433 on Saturday, September 25, 2021, at 12:00 noon with visitation on Saturday beginning at 10:00 AM until service time. E. J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. The family invites you to share thoughts, fond memories, and condolences online at E. J. Fielding Funeral Home Guest Book at eww.ejfieldingfh.com.