Barbara (Hilow) LaBree

Worcester - Barbara V. (Hilow) LaBree, 72 of Worcester, passed away Saturday, August 21, 2021, after a long period of declining health.

Born and raised in Worcester, Barbara was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph T. and Mary (Dowd) Hilow. She graduated from Commerce High School, earned her associates degree in Journalism from Becker Junior College, and has lived here most of her life.

Barbara is survived by her three children, Sherilyn LaBree of Paxton, Walter LaBree of Worcester, and Jamie LaBree; a sister , Elaine Clarke and her husband Chris of Salem, NH; a brother, Joseph P. Hilow of Worcester; a niece Marina Paolino and her husband Andy, and great niece Natalie; An Uncle, Aunt, many cousins, and friends.

Educated as a journalist, Barbara loved to write, read and watch Jeopardy. The ocean brought her peace. She lived life according to her own terms.

While she had many personal and health challenges, she did her best. She fought hard with everything she had to overcome many obstacles.

She will be fondly remembered by many cousins who remember the early years when she was "the cool older cousin" who took them on many walking adventures in Worcester.

At Barbara's request funeral services are private. The family, and particularly her daughter Sherilyn, her caretaker, would like to thank the Holy Trinity Nursing and Rehabilitation Staff, Gina and Stacy with the Beacon Hospice, and her aide Penny, for the care, comfort, and compassion they gave to Barbara. The MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Worcester Telegram & Gazette from Aug. 22 to Aug. 25, 2021.

Memories and Condolences
for Barbara LaBree

Sponsored by Mercadante Funeral Home & Chapel - Worcester.

13 Entries

Henry Cyr

August 26, 2021

To my Burncoat friend Jamie and the entire family I send sincere condolences and hopes that happy memories will ease your sadness and keep Barbara alive in your hearts. Colonel Cyr

Aunt Doug and uncle Paul Joyce

August 24, 2021

We are sadden by the passing of your Mom. She was beautiful person in every way, kind and caring and will be missed by all who knew her. Aunt Dott

August 24, 2021

My deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers for your loss. May you find comfort in knowing Auntie Barbara truly did make an impact on everyone around her.
Light and Love,
Stacey Ann Dowd

Fred Potenti

August 24, 2021

My sincere sympathies to the LaBree/Hillow families on Barbara´s passing. I didn´t know Barbara very well but was good friends with her Dad and grew up near the Dowd family on Grafton Hill. Peace and loving memories to those she leaves behind. RIP

Patricia A. Anderson

August 23, 2021

Dear Sherilyn, Walter, and Jamie: I am so sorry for the loss of your mother, we were close friends many years ago when you were just little kids, we would go out on the weekends together, your mom had a great smile. May she rest in peace now.

Linda D'Errico

August 23, 2021

Barbara and her family lived next door to my family on Norfolk Street when we were children. From her earliest years, she had an amazing volcabulary and gift with words, both in spelling and writing them. She also had a wonderful sense of humor throughout her life, including the ability to laugh at herself. I will remember Barbara for the Lebanese heritage we shared, for her good heart, for her laugh and for the childhood experiences we shared growing up on the hill. My husband and I send our deepest sympathies to Barbara's children and her siblings.

Steve Jenkins

August 23, 2021

So sorry, condolences.

Donna Marquis

August 23, 2021

Barbara and I shared a lifetime together. From the time we were children playing on the hill of Norfolk Street, working several jobs together as teens, and later at WNEB Radio Station. We kept in touch by phone throughout the years no matter where we lived and shared our love of books, current events, music, and our Lebanese heritage. We laughed a lot, finding humor in everything including ourselves, what a special gift.
I will truly miss my dear friend. Rest in Peace until we meet again.

Ian Underwood

August 23, 2021

I am sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in God’s love.

John 14:1-4 (NIV) “ Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also. And you know the way to where I am going.”

Tammy Rijo

August 22, 2021

Barbara you will be greatly missed by our family. We loved hanging on the deck with you and laughing all day. The kids will miss u “Goofy”. Thank you for being a great friend to my mother. Until we meet again. ❤

sandra cournoyer

August 22, 2021

so glad you shared your life with Anita and me we will miss you, but we have years of memories My grand kids said goodbye Goofy