Constance Wilma LeClerc

Constance Wilma Osterlund LeClerc passed away Friday, July 15, 2016, just days from her 93rd birthday. Connie was born July, 21, 1923 in Edgar County, IL. She was the only daughter of Juanita Grace Coffman and Fred Myers. Her mother remarried and she was adopted by Howard Carl Osterlund, who loved her as his own daughter. Connie moved with her parents to Atlanta, GA where she attended Druid Hills High School and continued her education at Emory University’s School of Nursing. She graduated and became a Registered Nurse, quickly being placed in a supervisory position at Emory University Hospital. She was very proud to be head nurse of the “new” Cardio-Thoracic Surgery wing. She also held positions in Atlanta at the General Motors Factory Medical Clinic, as well as in private offices. At the encouragement of her closest cousin, Doris Coffman Tillinghast, she moved to San Diego, CA, in 1951. She continued her nursing career at the Rees-Stealy Clinic, where she worked for its founding doctors and cared for many celebrities. She also worked at San Diego State College (now University) in its Medical Clinic and volunteered with San Diego’s Civil Defense (Emergency Management) Agency. She fell in love with San Diego and also fell in love with her husband there. She married Raymond Paul LeClerc, a naval officer, in 1958. Connie’s career quickly changed as she became a devoted Navy Wife and mother to two children, Paul Raymond and Denise Michelle. She weathered difficult times with grace as she raised very young children without her husband, while he was on unaccompanied sea assignments, as well as war duty in Viet Nam. During her husband’s thirty year Naval career, Connie LeClerc made every “tour of duty” a “home” for her family—across the United States, as well as in Seoul Korea, and Taipei, Taiwan. She was present at Recruit Graduation Ceremonies, entertained senior officers and their families, as well as diplomats and foreign dignitaries with grace and kindness. Connie was known for her warm and caring disposition. She was active in the Officers Wives Club at nearly every destination, as well as Navy Relief. She would gladly lend a shoulder, ear, and hand to fellow military wives and families who needed support. After thirty years of service, Ray and Connie decided to retire and make Maitland, FL home. After Ray’s death in 2002, Connie moved to nearby Chambrel at Island Lake, where she immediately became fast friends with her “Rowdy Bunch.” This group of ladies was known to be active, fun, and involved in just about every activity available. While at Chambrel, Connie was thrilled to become a first time grandmother at the age of 80. She was also an active Dividend Reading Tutor with Seminole County Schools until she was nearly 83. Connie was so youthful in her early to mid-80s, most people thought she was in her early 60s! Predeceased by her husband, Raymond Paul LeClerc, she is survived by her son, Paul Raymond LeClerc of Winter Park, FL; daughter, Denise Michelle LaFlamme and husband Scott, of Longwood, FL; her grandchildren John Scott and Ashley Nicole LaFlamme; and her cousin Gary Tillinghast, of San Diego, CA. As an expression of sympathy, please consider making a donation to the American Cancer Society. Connie was a breast cancer survivor of more than 15 years before it returned. She was both a strong warrior and advocate.