It is with heavy hearts and immense sadness that we announce the passing of Luce Elizabeth (Zabeth) LeBlanc, who died suddenly but peacefully on September 4, 2023 at the age of 94.
She was adored by her children Réjeanne, Marthe, Zoël, her daughter-in-law Vivian whom she considered her own, her son-in-law Jean, and her grandchildren Michelle (Chris), Nadia (Tim) and Jean-Pierre (Jean), Mathieu (Gordon) and Patrick (Stéphanie), Zachary (Kasia), Kristien (Kelsey) and Stefan (Lindsay). Mom had a special affection for her great-grandchildren: Sophie, Alexandra, Patrick, Ariel, Basil and Hugo. She was predeceased by her husband Joseph (T.C.), her parents Francis and Catherine Deveau, her eldest daughter Alcida, her brother Bernie (Dina, decd) and her son-in-law Phil. Mom is also survived by her sister and friend Thérèse (Jean-Roland, decd), Évelyn (Willie, decd), her brother the Rev. Fr. Daniel as well as her goddaughter Gisèle.
Widowed at the young age of 34, Mom dedicated her entire life to looking after our well-being, ensuring that we achieved the university education necessary for success in our professional lives. Despite the many challenges, she always persevered. She’ll be remembered for facing any difficulty with the phrase: “Things could always be worse!”
With Mom, busy was the word that best described her; it was either time for spring-cleaning, planting a vegetable garden or tending to her flower beds; then came the time to pick wild strawberries, blueberries, and raspberries, make jam, preserves, and so on. During the winter months, she spent her free time restoring and refinishing furniture, knitting, sewing, and hooking rugs: boredom was not a part of her vocabulary.
She was always ready to drop everything and lend a hand when asked. Even into her late 80’s, she provided palliative care, staying up all night at the bedside of dying patients.
She shared with us her love for adventure and travel: across Canada, the United States, Europe and Australia, she always returned with entertaining stories and anecdotes. Whether she was backpacking, around a campfire while wilderness camping or staying in a 5-star hotel, she was always up for the challenge. We take solace that she left this world during a camping trip, one of the things she loved most.
As much as she loved to travel, she took a particular pleasure in meeting, getting to know and welcoming the many friends of her children and grandchildren, regardless of age, nationality or interest. The consummate host, she could be heard telling people she just met: “If you ever come to Chéticamp, you’re welcome here”.
From the time she retired from the hospital, Mom took pleasure in watching her grandchildren grow up. She thoroughly enjoyed sharing with them the pleasures of everyday life and her love of nature. She babysat, cooked their favorite dishes, and was a loving spectator during their activities. In her later years, she derived a particular pleasure in the professional hockey career (and cheering on) her youngest grandchild, Stéfan.
Mom was never happier than when we were all gathered together: young and old. She relished in the fact that we always considered her house our family’s natural gathering place.
We know that Mom has finally rejoined our father, her husband, for whom she always maintained an unshakeable love. Her radiant smile and her love for her family will remain forever etched in our memories.
Visitation will be at the Chéticamp Funeral Home on Friday, September 15th from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. The funeral service will be held on Saturday, September 16th at 10:30 a.m. at St. Pierre Church in Chéticamp.
In recognition of her lifetime honorary membership to the Nova Scotia Association of Health Auxiliaries, donations may be made in Elizabeth LeBlanc’s name to the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre Auxiliaries, P.O. Box 506, Chéticamp, N.S. B0E 1H0.
