Judith Maria LaBonte

Born January 4, 1940 in Los Angeles, CA. Passed away peacefully in her sleep, on the morning of December 25, 2023, at her residence in Roswell, GA. Former owner of Lou La Bonte's Restaurant, Bar, Liquor Store, Delicatessen, Dinner Theater, Banquet Hall, Sports Bar, Catering Service, Limousine Service, Yellow Moon Lounge, Back Room Lounge, Karaoke Lounge and Piano Bar Lounge. Through the decades, Judi liked to have a good time while making sure others were also entertained.

In her childhood, Judi moved with her father, mother, and brother to Northern California, from Hollywood, California. Judi's father, Lou LaBonte, a former movie studio music composer, opened a restaurant and bar in a small tower and gas station in Weimar, CA on old Hwy 40. Growing up in the business, Judi attended New England Mills School and Placer High School. In the mid-50s, with the construction of the interstate system Hwy 80, eminent domain found the family purchasing an old furniture store property that would sit right along the soon to be busy interstate just outside of downtown Auburn. After studying at San Francisco State College, Judi moved back to Auburn to help with the family business when her Mother and Father moved to Indian Wells in the 1960s and handed her the keys plus all the responsibilities that came along with operating a business that was open every day, famously including holidays, from 6am to 2am.

Judi was a survivor, entrepreneur, entertainer and restaurateur who was influenced by other fanciful restaurants from around the country. Judi loved her friends and enjoyed spending her free time by the pool, golfing, singing, and watching NFL football. Over the years she hosted many civic organizations at her restaurant including the Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Business and Professional Womens' Club, Rotary, and the Placer County Tour Operator's Association to name a few. Throughout her tenure as the sole proprietor of her restaurant, Judi worked tirelessly to ensure her business ran to the best of her abilities.

In Judi's later years, she met her longtime life partner, Mike Murison of San Jose California. Mike and Judi loved and supported each other for over twenty years. Judi always reminisced about her mother, Fran LaBonte, who was her best friend and confidant throughout the years. A Placer County resident for over 75 years, Judi lived in Auburn until 2020 when she moved to Georgia to be closer to family and the grandkids.

She loved and cared about her three children, Louis, Tony and Crystal by providing a good life for them, plus exposing them to real working world conditions to provide a good base for those challenges ahead.

Judi was preceded in death by her parents Lou LaBonte and Frances LaBonte and her older brother Louis “Buzz” LaBonte. Surviving children: Louis Baldoni of Coos Bay OR, partner Madalyn. Anthony Baldoni of Roswell GA, wife Cassie. Crystal Daniels of Roque Bluffs ME, wife Emily. Grandchildren, Robbie Baldoni (in memoriam) Alex Baldoni, Chloe Baldoni, Nina Baldoni, Isabella Baldoni, Frannie Baldoni, Tommy Baldoni. Great Grandkids, Elliana Nugent and Myles Nugent.

Family plans a memorial celebration of life later in 2024 in the Auburn, CA area; plans to be announced.