Christine Frances "Chris" Laberge

Christine "Chris" Frances LaBerge of Caro, age 69, went home to heaven in the arms of Jesus after a courageous battle with COVID pneumonia on Wednesday, December 15, 2021 at Lake Huron Medical Center. Our caring, loving, thoughtful, kind, and compassionate wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend was born on January 25, 1952 in Flint, the daughter of the late Frank James and Theresa Elizabeth (Elk) Jozsa. Chris graduated from St. Michael's High School in Maple Grove where she was a cheerleader and the lead in the school play. After graduating, Chris went on to attend SVSU and then CMU, earning her master's degree in teaching. It was at SVSU where Chris met the love of her life, Bob LaBerge. They dated, fell in love, and were united in marriage on July 25, 1975. Together, they shared forty-six wonderful years, two beautiful children, traveling, skiing trips, and countless memories. Chris taught at the Cass City Public Schools, from middle school to early childhood education and art, retiring in 2011. Although Chris retired, her love for art was always in her heart and for teaching. She was an amazing artist and loved to teach, she even resurrected the Cass City Art Program. Not only was Chris a lover of art, but also music; she could play the clarinet, guitar, and piano and had countless other talents. She enjoyed listening to Christian music as well, as long as it had a good bass and melody - something she learned from her late brother, Greg. Chris was a proud champion of the newborns and was the President of the Tuscola Right to Life, volunteered at the MOPS at Colwood and McComb Elementary, and was active in the Girl Scouts. She served at the Food Bank at St. Christopher Parish and its Women's Christian Services, and the community recognized her for her amazing community service by awarding her the Tuscola County Stars award. Chris and Bob loved helping at the annual trunk-or-treat, where they would win first or occasionally second place in the trunk-or-treat contest. She loved her dark chocolates, Lays Potato Chips, going to the movies, buttery popcorn, always extra ice in her drinks, and enjoyed the Arts. A true social butterfly, Chris adored her time with the "Girls of October" and at the Winsome Women Retreats on Mackinaw Island at The Grand Hotel. Family was everything to Chris, and always made sure to create and keep traditions, whether it was taking a camping trip every summer or golfing (not very well) with her husband and children, it was time cherished. She had a huge heart, could never pass up a sunset or seeing a lighthouse, loved anything whimsical, and left a sparkle wherever she went. Chris was always brave enough to be herself and loved meeting people and making new friends. You could always count on her to plan the best parties and make sure everything was well coordinated. If you went shopping with Chris, you better make sure to bring your walking shoes because she would shop til you drop. She absolutely loved the holidays and would always give her all; we can't imagine what Christmas will be like in Heaven for her and what new traditions will be awaiting us. Her bright, humble, and beautiful soul will be missed beyond words for generations to come. Chris leaves to carry on her legacy, her devoted husband, Bob; loving children, Heather Anne LaBerge, Noel Jacob LaBerge and his wife, Kimberly or "Kimmer" as Chris liked to call her. She absolutely cherished her grandchildren, Cylus Oscar LaBerge and Arah Sky LaBerge; furbabies, Chauncey and Clare, and grand-pup, Simba. Chris was the most loving "Big Sis" of Karen Denise Jozsa, Sharon Ann Marie (John) Papcun, Michelle Jane Jozsa, and Jane Marie Jozsa. Chris always loved time spent with her dear aunt, Katherine Elk, who was like a second mother to her. Her memory will be cherished by her sister-in-law to Jeanette Valasek; brothers-in-law, Michael (Cathy) LaBerge, and Dr. James (Denise) LaBerge, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends. In addition to her parents, Chris was welcomed home to heaven by her brothers, Gregory James Jozsa and Frankie Anthony Jozsa, in-laws, Francis and Josephine LaBerge, and brother-in-law, Fred Valasek. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at the Colwood Church in Caro with Pastor Randy Carpenter officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Gardens in Bay City. The family will be present to receive friends at the Colwood Church in Caro on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorial contributions to the Tuscola Right to Life. Visitation Information Date: Wednesday, December 22, 2021 Time: 2:00 pm End Time: 8:00 pm Colwood Church Address: 1840 N. Colwood Road Caro, MI 48723 989-673-3274 | Map The family will be present to receive friends at the Colwood Church in Caro on Wednesday from 2:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. and on Thursday at the church from 10:00 a.m. Service Information Date: Thursday, December 23, 2021 Time: 11:00 am Colwood Church Address: 1840 N. Colwood Road Caro, MI 48723 989-673-3274 | Map Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 23, 2021 at the Colwood Church in Caro with Pastor Randy Carpenter officiating. Cemetery Information Date: Thursday, December 23, 2021 Burial will follow at Floral Gardens in Bay City.