On July 3, 2014, we lost our precious mother, Edna Mae Quick LaBove at the age of 88. Her life was long and full of joy. Not a day would go by that she wouldn’t have a warm smile, a few words of wisdom or a gentle hug just to make you feel “special”. She lived her life fully as was evident on her last birthday. For that, Mom wanted to go to Crystal Beach – one of her favorite places – where she celebrated her 88th birthday, late into the evening!
One of our mother’s favorite quote was “It is more blessed to give than to receive”. Mom lived her life by these words. Our mother grew up on a farm in Runville, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Clifford and Mary Quick, with two brothers, Jack and Robert, and one sister, Peg. She graduated from Penn State University with honors and began using the shorthand skills that she learned at the age of 15 for a high school project on her first job, transcribing abstracts for a district judge in Bellfonte, Pennsylvania. Before moving to the Golden Triangle area in the 1950s, she worked at Lackland Air Force Base recording court marshals. Throughout the years she felt privileged to report in Jefferson, Hardin and Tyler Counties for many judges which included the Hon. Jack Brookshire and the Hon. Ronald Walker. During the 1970s she began the Edna LaBove and Associates court reporting firm before returning to the courtroom to work again for Judge Brookshire. She retired in 1991 from the 88th District Court of Hardin County as the court reporter for the Hon. Earl Stover II. “Miss Edna”, as she was often called, was loved and respected by those who knew and worked with her in the legal field.
In 1952 she met Neil LaBove at a party and following a courtship they married. They were the proud parents of one son, Robert, and four daughters, Margaret, Mary, Lisa and Lexie. They raised their family in Port Neches, Texas and, after retiring, moved to Wildwood in Village Mills, Texas, so Dad could enjoy golfing and fishing while Mom enjoyed entertaining friends and family. They traveled often and enjoyed numerous cruises with friends, never stopping until 2001 when she lost our father to cancer after 48 years of marriage.
Our mother also took so much pride in being a grandmother to her 11 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren. Nurturing these children and making sure they knew who she was and that she loved them always brought her tremendous joy.
We are very proud of our mother. She taught us a lot about balancing work and family. She was a loving wife, mother, coworker, and friend. Even though she worked hard at her career and was well-respected, she always made an effort to spend time with her friends and family. She was always there whenever anyone needed her. Whether it was someone to talk to, or help with a project, she never asked why and was always quick to help. These traits were recognized throughout the years as she served as President of the Court Reporter Association, a member of the Lions Club, an Elder at the Trinity Presbyterian Church of Port Neches, Chairperson of the Cancer Crusade and as a proud member of the Red Hat’s Club. She also won numerous awards for her flower arrangements while she was a member in the Ladies Flower Club.
Our mother will be missed by all who knew and were touched by her. The time we spent together will be cherished memories. Even though she is gone, her memory will live on in all of our hearts forever.
Her Loving Children,
Robert, Margaret, Mary, Lisa and Lexie
Edna LaBove is survived by her son, Robert LaBove and his wife, Lois, of McKinney; daughters, Margaret Wooten and her husband, Terry, of Decker Prairie; Mary Goldberg and her husband, Leo, of Wimberley; Lisa Chapman of Port Arthur; and Lexie LaBove of Waterwood; nine grandchildren; and sixteen great-grandchildren.
She is preceded in death by her husband of forty-eight years, Neil LaBove; parents, Clifford and Mary Quick; brothers, Robert Quick and Jack Quick; sister, Peggy Gordon; and grandchildren, Daniel Goldberg and Jessica Mae Marr.
A gathering of Mrs. LaBove’s family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. with her funeral service to follow at 12:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 8, 2014, at Broussard’s, 505 North 12th Street, Nederland. Her committal will follow at 3:00 p.m. at Village Mills Cemetery, Village Mills.
