Genevieve “Jean” Labuga, age 92, passed away peacefully after a long illness.  She was born in Walnut Grove, CA to Leoncio & Francisca Hipolito.  

Mom lived in Merced County for almost 85 years and attended schools in Livingston.  She married Celestino Labuga, Sr., on July 14, 1941, at St. Jude Catholic Church in Livingston.   They were married 43 years until dad passed away in 1984.  Together they raised 7 sons and 3 daughters:  Carol Holcomb, Ron Labuga, Goyo Labuga, Dick Labuga (Susie), Dennis Labuga, David Labuga (Madeline), Alex Labuga, Sr., Rick Labuga, Balanie Olson (Lee), and Kimberly Labuga-Ancheta (Danny); as well as 20 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and 1 great-great grandchild.  From an original family of 12 siblings, mom also leaves her younger brother, Flo, and sister, Judy.

She made many life-long friends in the Livingston community while working with sweet potatoes, tomatoes, peaches, and other produce.  She retired as a Tri-Valley floor supervisor in Turlock, CA.  Mom spent her early retirement years caring for her grandchildren, driving friends to Bingo, and many trips to casinos with her sisters.  In her quiet time, she loved reading, playing word scramble, crocheting, and baking - especially apple and sweet potato pies during the holidays for family and friends.

She was a faithful member of St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, Santo Nino de Cebu Organization, and VFW auxiliary.  Both she and dad were life-long members of Legionarios Del Trabajo, a Filipino fraternal organization

A visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., followed by the Rosary at 6 p.m., on Thursday, February 8, at Turlock Funeral Home, 425 N. Soderquist Rd., Turlock. Mass will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, February 9, at St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church, 330 Franci St., Livingston. A burial will follow at Winton Cemetery, 7651 Almond Ave., Winton. 

Donations may be made in Jean’s memory to St. Jude Thaddeus Catholic Church.