SAVOY, Mass. — Barbara I. (Bolte) LaBonte, a wonderful woman that was loved, is missed and will always be cherished, passed away peacefully at her home on May 28, 2018, with her loving husband of 43 years and family by her side.

Barbara's story began in Butler, Pa. She was born on September 19, 1954, the daughter of Joseph W. and Margaret (Erb) Bolte, one of four children. At the age of 14 the family moved to North Adams, where she graduated from Drury High School in 1972. On August 10, 1974, Barbara married the love of her life, Robert LaBonte, and had two children: a daughter, Bobbie Jo, and a son, Brandon. The family would eventually make their home in Savoy. Barbara retired in 2017 from BHS, where she worked in the lab. Previous employment included Thomas McNulty, MD, where she was a phlebotomist, and earlier with Waverly.

Barbara enjoyed spending time with her family and their pet dog Squirt, horseback riding and especially long motorcycle rides with her husband, Robert

Loved ones that cleared the path for Barbara include her brother-in-law Michael Dix (1985); her mother Margaret (Erb) Bolte (2000); her brother Galen Bolte (2002); and her son Brandon LaBonte (2005). Loved ones that will miss Barbara until they meet again include her husband, Robert LaBonte of Savoy; daughter Bobbie Jo Hurley (Timothy) of Pownal, Vt.; her father, Joseph W. Bolte of Savoy; her brothers Joseph "Gary" Bolte (Theresa Wlodyka) of Douglas, Mass., and Kenneth Bolte (Linda Charron) of Readsboro, Vt.; her in-laws, Gail Dorval (Fern) of Prescott, Ariz., David LaBonte, Daniel and Sandra LaBonte of Savoy, Kathleen Dix of North Adams and Raymond LaBonte of Savoy; and several nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. She will be truly missed by her close friends Carol Meeker of Florida, Barbara Scolforo of New Hampshire, Mary Wood of Dalton, Barbara Aaron of Pittsfield, Tara Liljeholm of New Lebanon, N.Y., Jan and Chip Winnard of Cheshire, and Zita Serrano and Jennifer Therrien, both of Savoy.

Barbara's family would like to thank Harvey Zimbler, MD, and his amazing staff, the nurses of Hospice and VNA, and Barbara's amazing co-workers at BHS that showed unwavering kindness and support.

Funeral notice: A Liturgy of Christian Burial for Barbara LaBonte will be celebrated Tuesday, June 5, 2018, at 10 a.m. at Notre Dame Church in Adams. Burial will be at a later date.

Calling hours at Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapel, 521 West Main St. North Adams, Mass., are Monday, June 4, 2018, from 4 to 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires.