Marian B Labrum

Marian Babirecki Labrum, passed away peacefully at her home in Orem, Utah on January 10, 2008, at age 64, after a courageous battle with Multiple Sclerosis. She will be dearly missed by her family, friends, students and colleagues around the world. Marian was born November 5, 1943 in Salto, Uruguay to Alba Guillermina Pazos (Uruguay) and Wladyslaw Francieszek Babirecki (Poland). From a young age, Marian developed an interest in foreign languages and cultures. At 16, she began teaching English in Uruguay and dreaming of coming to the U.S. In 1965, after joining the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, she followed her dream with an opportunity to attend college at Rick's (BYU-Idaho). She later completed both a Bachelor's and Master's degree at Brigham Young University and a Doctorate of Modern Languages at Middlebury College in Vermont. She married Bruce Marshall McMaster in 1966 and had two children. She later divorced, and then married Joseph Labrum at the Salt Lake Temple in 1989. Marian dedicated her life to teaching as a professor of Spanish and Translation at Brigham Young University for 33 years and as a visiting professor of Spanish at Middlebury College Language School in Vermont during the summer months for 15 years. Marian loved being with her family, was a dedicated grandmother, great-grandmother, and loved reading, traveling, dancing, performing on the stage, music, and chocolate. Her love of life, tireless energy, bubbly personality, cheerful smile, strong faith and endless determination touched and inspired the lives of everyone she came in contact with. Everyone loved Marian. She is survived by her mother, Alba, husband, Joseph, children, Ian McMaster MD (Beth) of Mapleton, Utah and Tricia Donaldson (Jack) of Orem, Utah, brother, Ian Babirecki (Stella), Montevideo, Uruguay, 10 grandchildren and 2 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her father, Wladyslaw, and her U.S. sponsor family, Mark and Norma Peterson of Rexburg, Idaho. Special thanks to all who have shown love and support to Marian and to all who have given her care in recent years. And a very special thanks to her devoted husband, Joseph, who has selflessly stood by her side throughout her illness so she could remain in the comfort of her home. Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m. on January 15, 2008 at the Sharon Stake Center, 550 S. 800 E. in Orem. Friends are welcome to greet the family from 7-9 p.m., Monday, January 14 and one hour before the funeral service at the Sharon Stake Center. Interment at Mountain View Memorial Estates in Salt Lake City, Utah. Online condolences may also be given at www.serenicare.com.