Carolee Kpakiwa, family was everything

Carolee Kpakiwa, 85, of Dover, passed away Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born Feb. 2, 1938, in McKees Rocks, Pa., to the late Octavious Toby and Liona (Cantwell) Uansa.

Carolee was a graduate of Holy Ghost Catholic School in McKees Rocks and also an alumnus of Penn State University. She was a supervisor at University Pittsburgh Radiology Center, was instrumental in studies of Three Mile Island, and was an ADA coordinator in Pennsylvania. Carolee worked for many years as an E/O specialist in government and public service in Pennsylvania. 

Carolee loved to cook for her family, especially on the holidays. She served as treasurer of the Columbiettes and was a member of St. Jude the Apostle Church, Lewes. Above all, family was everything to Carolee, and her time spent together with them was what she enjoyed the most. 

She is survived by her loving husband of 50-plus years, Komba M. Kpakiwa; three sons, A.Y. Kpakiwa of Dover, Leslie Labbauf of Harrisburg, Pa., and Lee Labbauf of Harrisburg; a daughter, Lesa Labbauf of Pittsburgh, Pa; and several grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Jan. 31, at St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church, 152 Tulip Drive, Lewes, with a viewing for relatives and friends beginning at 10 a.m. Interment will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday, Feb. 1, at Resurrection Cemetery, Harrisburg, Pa. 

All are invited to join the Mass livestream by visiting: YouTube and searching St. Jude the Apostle Church, Lewes.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Carolee's name may be made to Brandywine SPCA, 22918 DuPont Blvd., Georgetown, DE  19947.

Visit Carolee's Life Memorial at parsellfuneralhomes.com.