Claire Leblanc

Coxheath

It is with deepest sadness we, the family, announce the passing of Mrs. Claire Leblanc, age 75, on October 6, 2012, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Surrounded by family, she died as she lived, with grace and courage.

Claire was born in Ottawa, Ontario, November 12, 1936. She was the daughter of the late Jean and Catherine Lavoie, and sister to Jeannette Walker and Odette Bourguignon. Her beloved husband Gerry Leblanc passed away June 23, 2009.

At age 19, she married Gerry Leblanc of Orleans, Ontario, and left home to pursue a new life by her husband’s side in the Royal Canadian Navy and settled in Victoria, B.C.

After having five children, they moved, in 1962 to the Naval Base in Inuvik, N.W.T. In 1965, the family relocated to the Canadian Coast Guard College in Point Edward, where her husband Gerry worked for 33 years as the Physical Education Department Head, eventually settling in Coxheath.

Mom (Claire) always had a kind and loving heart and saw the good in all people. She never asked for much or expected the moon or stars; she was most happy enjoying the simple pleasures of her home and family. Her bravery in dealing with the many obstacles she had faced will continue to inspire all of us.

She is survived by her five children, Diane Leblanc, Suzanne Sheppard (Jeff Vander Velde), Sandra Leblanc (Dan McNabb), Robert Leblanc (Snooks), and Mitch Leblanc (Jennifer). She leaves seven grandchildren, Kristina, Kevin, Katelyn, Scott, Colleen, Josh and Malcolm; three great-grandchildren, Mackenzie-Lee, Tyler and Alex. She is also survived by two sisters, Jeannette Walker and Odette Bourguignon, and a special sister-in-law Gertrude Ouellette.

The funeral will be celebrated at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, October 10, 2012 at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel. The family will be receiving guests at 1:00 p.m. followed by service at 2:00 p.m. with Father Joe Ambrose MacNeil officiating. Reception to follow at T.W.Curry Parkview Chapel.

Donations may be made to the Mental Health Clinic, c/o Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Online condolences can be sent to www.twcurry.com or to Sandra’s address, Sandra Leblanc, 266 Union Street, Sydney, N.S. B1P 4Y4.