Rose Jocelyn "Josie" Lopez Labayen

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Rose Jocelyn “Josie” Lopez Labayen died peacefully on October 18, 2026, at the age of 90 in her daughter Rose’s home in Ham Lake, Minnesota.

Born on October 5, 1936, in Tayabas, Quezon, Philippines, Josie was the second of eleven children of Rodolfo and Lilia (De Ocampo) Lopez. She attended Maryknoll College in Quezon City.

She met her husband Wilfredo “Fred” / “Sonny” Lizares Labayen when they worked at Commercial Credit Corporation. They got married in Manila in 1959. They had five children.

She is survived by her children (and their spouses) Louie Anthony, Edward John (Ma. Victoria “Tonette” Antonio), Rose Jocelyn Rosemeier (Timothy Rosemeier), Ma. Victoria (Chris Cargado), and Patricia Marie, and eight grandchildren (and their spouses) John Gustav Labayen (Jordan Tracy), Katrina Labayen Lim (Mitchell Lim), James Daniel Labayen, Samantha Rosemeier, Michael Rosemeier, Vincent Rosemeier, Veronica Rosemeier Bury (Matthew Bury), and David Rosemeier, her siblings (and their spouses) Ma. Elenita “Lita” Navarro, Edwin “Ted” Lopez (Manjette Manalo), Marie Christine Lopez (Eduardo Arguelles), and Myrna Elizabeth “Gabby” Norulak (Victor Norulak), and sisters-in-law Amelia Baldovino Lopez, and Athena Santos Magcase Lopez.

She was preceded in death by her husband Fred Labayen, her parents Rodolfo and Lilia Lopez, her siblings (and their spouses) Oscar (Ruby) Lopez, Carlos Lopez, Evelyn Lopez, Marilou (Deogracias) Tantay, Albert “Bobby” Lopez, and Melvyn “Boyee” Lopez, and brother-in-law Romeo Navarro.

Josie wore many hats. At work, she rose up the ranks from a bank clerk to a finance executive who made sure everything added up. At home, she was a meticulous homemaker, a gracious host, a thoughtful and caring person who made sure everything was in its place.

To her late husband Fred/Sonny, she was the wife who loved him and supported him through all the ups and downs.

To her children, she was the mother who escorted them to music and dance lessons, sports practices, and swim meets. To her grandchildren, she was the grandmother who spoiled them with their favorite toys and trips to Disneyland. She made sure she sent them birthday cards on time and that they all had table napkins at the dining table.

To her siblings, she was the eldest sister who was like a second mother to them. To her friends and neighbors, she was the gifter of apple pies and mango tarts on Christmases and birthdays.

To everyone, she was the perfect host who welcomed them in her home, "Sun Valley Hotel", like it was their home, and never expected anything back. She enjoyed hosting big parties of any occasion -- family reunions, birthdays, baptisms. She went all out -- with party host entertainers for the children, and she never used paper plates. She welcomed surprise guests graciously, no matter how large a group, and made sure they were served a meal or a snack. She was the thoughtful person who never forgot to send birthday cards in the mail.

Josie, as you peacefully leave us behind, we assure you that we are all alright. Everything is in its place. Josie, with her husband Fred, will be remembered for their thoughtfulness, kindness, love, generosity, and the many vacation memories with their extended family. Together, they have touched many lives.

Service Details:

October 23rd FRIDAY
Visitation 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Rosary beginning at 8:00 pm
Gearty-Delmore Funeral Chapel
15800 37th Avenue North
Plymouth, MN 55446

October 24th SATURDAY
Visitation 1 hour before Funeral Mass 10:00 am
Funeral Mass 11:00 am
Immaculate Heart of Mary Chapel
777 221st Avenue Northwest
Oak Grove, MN 55011

Luncheon Following the Funeral Mass
Grace Counseling Services
21471 Ulysses Street Northeast
East Bethel, MN 55011