Obituary of Nancy Klostermeier LABAS

Nancy Ann Klostermeier Labas, returned to the loving arms of God on Tuesday April 1st at 7:15 a.m. at St. Joseph's Hospital in Phoenix at the young age of 47 after a 7-year battle with Breast Cancer. Her courage, determination and positive attitude was something you would never believe was humanly possible. She was truly admired, respected and was a shining example of someone with true faith and love in their heart & soul. You'd never know she was sick for everywhere she brought a happy, positive, caring and loving personality and she touched so many lives and hearts of all those she came into contact with. No one was a stranger and she was always there to help others. Nancy was born on Feb 14, 1961 to Mr. & Mrs. Arlen (Ace) Klostermeier in California, and from that day forward she was their precious Valentine gift from God.As a child, she and her brother Don, and sisters Laura & Tina were part of an inseparable, devoted family. Nancy's love for God, and her love for her parents, family, and friends was to last her whole life through. Nancy always loved the beach, and the San Diego Area, and enjoyed playing with the dolphins at Sea World. She treasured the family gatherings and trips. Animals were charmed by her, and they gravitated toward her no matter where she went. She was blessed by the birth of her son Joshua Gillespie on April 4th, 1985 who was to be her love, joy and pride over the years to follow. She was a truly devoted, loving mother. "I am so proud of my mom. The lessons she has taught me, her strong faith, and the memories I have of our time together will stay with me forever. I can only hope I will accomplish in my lifetime, what she has done during her short time here. I love you mom." - JoshuaAfter moving to Lake Havasu, AZ, Nancy worked in Radio Advertising for Lee Shoblom on 101, and later KZUL. She enjoyed being with people and was an unforgettable, dynamic, and engaging salesperson. She always brought her positive attitude and even her grandfather Sal called her by his pet name "Bubbles" for when she was around everything sparkled with fun and laughter. She was truly a beautiful person inside and out.Nancy met and fell in love with a wonderful, hard working man named Paul Labas from Granville, New York and they were married in Lake Havasu Arizona on June 6th 1998, then retuned to his hometown and bought a lovely home there. During that time she worked as a sales rep for Lowes and Sears. On her free time she taught Religious Ed at the St. Mary's Catholic Church in Granville and they became devoted friends with The Pastor, Father Tom Zelker. Paul's family too became her family and she loved them and had many treasured friends there.She, Paul, and Josh, made it a priority to return to Havasu every year so she could be with her parents and family in Havasu and the reunions were unforgettable.Arlen, her father, commented: "Nancy is one of those very special daughters who showered her parents with constant love and devotion. Love of family was the most important thing in her life. When you were around Nancy, you felt her happiness that would completely engulf you. When Nancy was in a room with people, everyone was drawn to her. She was very, very special. We shall always love her." Nancy will be truly missed by all those who knew and loved her. She leaves behind her loving husband Paul Labas; her dearest son Joshua Gillespie; her parents Arlen & Diane Klostermeier; her brother Don and his wife Angie and family; sisters Laura and Jeff Smith and family, and Tina & Mark Whitehouse and family of Lake Havasu, and many nieces and nephews. Her grandparents, Sal and Lillian Picone preceded her and will help guide the way to reunite with God. Paul Labas' family, his mother Janice Labas, his brothers Michael, John & Steven, and his sisters Cindy, Mary & Bunny and their family also will deeply miss her too. Nancy wanted to spread happiness, and asked that her passing be a "celebration" of her life and not filled with sadness. There will be two services, one in Havasu and the other in Granville for relatives and friends. In Havasu, on Sunday April 6th there will be a visitation from 6 to 8 PM including a rosary at 7 P.M. at Lietz-Fraze Chapel. On Monday April 7th at 11 AM Holy Mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church. Father Michael Ashibuogwu will be officiating followed by a graveside service at Lake Havasu Memorial Gardens. Everyone is invited to join the family at the church hall for food & refreshments. In Granville, Celebration of her life will be held on Saturday April 12th at 11 A.M. at St Mary's Church with a Holy Mass officiated by Father Tom Zelker. Family, relatives and friends are invited for a reception at the Knights of Columbus Hall immediately following the service.In lieu of flowers, gift donations in memory of Nancy Labas to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure fund at P.O Box 224523 Dallas, Texas 75222 or call 1-877- 465-6636. Thoughts and condolences may be submitted to the family at : 7 South Street, Granville, N.Y., 12832.There is an Internet site http://nancylabas.legacy.com for relatives and friends to share messages of memories and sentiments. Arrangements were placed under the care of Lietz-Fraze Funeral Home & Crematory.