Last Updated on September 5, 2025 by Editor
Mike and Marsha LaBella met later in life online. They chatted for quite a long time, dated for two years and were married in 2010.
One thing Marsha LaBella has learned in her time on Earth is that good things in life sometimes take time. She met her husband Mike later in life. She’s helped people working in a hospital and continues to help by volunteering in our parish. She advises others to “never give up.”
You worked in a hospital for 42 years. Please describe what you did.
I started as an aide in the emergency department and then learned to draw blood and do EKGs and some clerical work. Then I worked in pre-admission where I got patients ready for surgery.
What kind of satisfaction did you get from the job?
It usually was a good day. I met a lot of different people. It was my real first job and I just enjoyed it and stayed on. I loved learning new things and meeting and helping patients.
On the other hand, what was the most difficult part?
Sometimes the outcome wasn’t good news and watching someone’s last moments.
You graduated from Mount Carmel School in 1969. What do you remember most about those years?
I remember going down to the cafeteria and out to the playground. The nuns were strict, but I got a good education. I remember my eighth-grade graduation in the school gym was my first father-daughter dance.
You met your husband, Mike, online. How did all that transpire?
I met Mike at match.com. I was just looking one day and he wrote to me then we chatted for months. When Mike and I first met in person at Dunkin Donuts, I walked in and saw him said to myself, “Oh, my, it’s my grandfather!” He was dressed in a white dress shirt with a sweater vest. My grandpa Martino always worn same thing. He made up for it with roses and homemade chocolate chip cookies. We joke about it now. I’m a lucky lady, He treats me like a queen.
What was your first date like?
Our first was dinner at Delmonico’s and the play “Romeo and Juliette” at the Stanley. We dated for two years then married in 2010.
What advice would you give to someone looking for a partner in life?
Never give up. It’s not too late.
You and Mike enjoy taking rides to “discover new things.” What are some of the things you have discovered?
We’ve found many different waterfalls, parks and restaurants.
In our parish, you and Mike set up for 11 a.m. Mass, you help at the feast selling water and soda, and you are a Eucharistic minister. Why do you volunteer your time?
I volunteer to give back to my church and mostly because it makes me feel good and closer to Jesus.
Having grown up in our parish, what does Mount Carmel / Blessed Sacrament mean to you?
It means everything. I’m happy and comfortable there.
What does your faith mean to you?
My faith is an important part of our lives. I believe everyone should believe in a higher power than us.
You’ve learned a lot in your 70 years. What’s the one piece of advice you can share with others?
Marsha LaBella
- Age: 70.
- Family: Married to Mike LaBella. The oldest of seven siblings. Forty-three nieces and nephews.
- Education: Graduated from Mount Carmel School in 1969 and Utica Free Academy in 1973.
- Occupation: Retired from St. Elizabeth Hospital after 42 years; work as a nurse technician two mornings a week at Mia’s Place for children.
- Activities: We like to try new foods around the area, enjoy the casino, going for rides to discover new things, watching my TV shows, working on my computer.
- Favorite TV shows: “Chicago Med,” “Chicago Fire” and “Chicago PD.”
- Favorite movie: “Overboard.”
- Favorite musical artist or genre: Old rock ‘n’ roll and rhythm and blues.