Kathleen LaBore

Kathleen LaBore, a talented fashion designer, dedicated entrepreneur, and beloved daughter, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away peacefully on May 2, 2026, at the age of 78.

Born on New Year's Eve in 1947, Kathleen brought immediate joy and a lifelong spark of creativity into the world. She was the cherished daughter of the late Dr. Donald E. LaBore (DVM) and Frances McClaren LaBore of Cynthiana, Kentucky. Growing up in a supportive family on a small farm, she and her brothers became very familiar with agriculture, including raising and showing registered Jersey cattle. Kathleen won numerous awards for showing Jerseys all the way up to the Kentucky State Fair level.

Despite a significant hearing loss in her early teens, she excelled in her studies and developed an eye for style. Kathleen graduated from Harrison County High School (Kentucky) with the Class of 1966. She went on to pursue higher education at Georgetown College (KY), earning her degree with the Class of 1970. Notably she was the Crisco Award winner at HCHS, and was the 1969 Homecoming Queen at Georgetown College.

Following college, Kathleen channeled her artistic vision into the apparel industry. She relocated to Florida, where she spent the 1970s and 1980s developing her skills as a fashion designer and master patternmaker for numerous apparel companies in the Miami area.

In the early 1990s, Kathleen took a bold entrepreneurial leap and launched her own company, Kathleen Exercise and Dance. Specializing in high-quality exercise wear and dancewear for girls, the brand quickly became a resounding success. Kathleen was a hands-on business owner. She traveled extensively across the eastern half of the United States, making in-person sales calls to hundreds of dancewear shop owners. Her warmth, integrity, and passion allowed her to build deep, lasting relationships with clients. Her dedication culminated in national acclaim when her “MelissaWear” (named after her niece) brand of girls’ actionwear was picked up and sold by Nordstrom stores nationwide.

When health issues eventually brought her thriving design business to a halt, Kathleen met the transition with grace and resilience. In her later years, she leveraged her exceptional organizational skills and warm demeanor to become a highly valued, Florida-based personal assistant. She provided trusted care and management for several families with residences in both Florida and the Northeast, becoming an indispensable part of their lives.

Kathleen’s greatest legacy is the love she shared with her family and her close circle of friends.

She was preceded in death by her father, Dr. Donald E. LaBore, and her mother, Frances McClaren LaBore.

Her memory will be forever treasured by her surviving family; her brothers: Dr. Rick (Lindsey) LaBore of London, KY, and Dr. John (Janet) LaBore of Noblesville, IN and her nieces and nephews: Dr. Melissa (Eric) McElroy, Frances LaBore, Brad (Nikki) LaBore, Brian (Grace) LaBore, David (Kayleighn) LaBore, and Captain Daniel (Olivia) LaBore.

Kathleen also leaves behind a legacy of profound friendship, survived by her devoted, close friends Robin Tommers, Carol Guarente, Paula Carter, and Pam Fletcher. Her vibrant spirit, creative soul, and generous heart will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

Kathleen’s wishes were that her ashes be scattered at a specific location by family and close friends in a private ceremony at a future date to be determined by family.