Josephine “Jay” Labar, 82, of Blairstown, NJ, passed away on June 17, 2025, surrounded by her loving family.
Josephine “Jay” Labar, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 17, 2025, at the age of 82. Born on August 25, 1942, in Newton, NJ, to the late John G. and Carmel (Fazio) Shuster, Jay was a fixture in the Blairstown and surrounding communities for many years.
At 21, Jay married the love of her life, Jerry, with whom she shared a beautiful 61-year partnership. Together, they built a family and a legacy of love, support, and community service. Jay was known for her vibrant spirit and her unwavering dedication to her family, always attending her children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s games and events to cheer them on—only missing them when she was unwell.
Jay was deeply involved in the greater Warren and Sussex counties, dedicating countless hours to local organizations and causes. She was a charter member of the Search and Rescue Teams of Warren County, a Board member of the Cedar Ridge Cemetery Company, and was an active member of the Blairstown Athletic Association. Her love for her community extended to her involvement with the North Warren Band Parents and Baleville Congregational Church in Hampton Twp, NJ.
In her free time, Jay enjoyed baking, sewing, crocheting, and organizing—activities that she cherished as opportunities to express her love for others. Her enthusiasm for life was also evident in her passion for line dancing, where she found joy in both the movement and the camaraderie of fellow dancers.
A dedicated worker, Jay spent many years in sales at Blue Ridge Lumber in Blairstown, an administrative role at the UMC of Blairstown, as well as an administrative assitant at the former Aldersgate Camp Conference and Retreat Center in Swartswood, NJ.
Jay is survived by her loving husband, Jerry; a son, Robert Labar and his wife, Donna; a daughter, Teresa Labar and her significant other, Johnny Lewellen; her grandchildren, Robert Labar Jr. and his wife, Erin, Matthew Labar, Derreck Mott, and Aaron Mott and his wife, Jessica; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Brennan, Cody, and Alexandra. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family who will continue to carry on her memory.
She was predeceased by her parents and her sister, Lucy “Cookie” Kise.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Sunday, June 22, 2025, from 3-6 PM at Newbaker Funeral Home, 200 Route 94, Blairstown (GPS Columbia), NJ. A funeral service will take place on Monday, June 23, 2025, at 11:00 AM, with an assembling time at 10:30 AM. Inurnment will follow at Cedar Ridge Cemetery in Blairstown.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made in Jay’s memory to the Search and Rescue Teams of Warren County, PO Box 280, Blairstown, NJ 07825, or to a charity of your choice.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Newbaker Funeral Home, Blairstown, NJ.