In Loving Memory of Maurice
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Maurice LeLièvre, 71 which occurred on Saturday, September 6, 2025 at the Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, Cheticamp.
Maurice will be remembered for his thoughtful nature and deep appreciation for life. He shared with his family and friends a love of travel, especially with his niece Nicole, of a good conversation and a commitment to community that touched the lives of many. Maurice spent many years living in Ottawa, where he built lasting friendships and meaningful professional relationships. He was a proud St FX Alumnus, class of 1975; this year was his 50th class reunion. Maurice will be remembered for his good humour and his deep love for friends and family. He never took those moments for granted, and his legacy is one of connection, kindness, and quiet dedication.
Seventeen years ago, Maurice returned home to his beloved Cape Breton. He settled ‘au p’tit lac‘, a place that brought him great peace and joy. Though he embraced the slower pace of life, Maurice wasn’t quite ready to fully retire. A dedicated volunteer, he generously gave his time to numerous committees, always striving to make a positive impact. He was acknowledged for his volunteerism in 2024 with the King Charles III Coronation Medal for Public Service. He continued to share his time and talents through his work with the Conseil de développement économique de la Nouvelle-Écosse (CDÉNÉ), remaining active and engaged until the time of his passing.
He leaves behind his sister, Josephine and brother-in-law, Leandre whom he spent much time with; his brother, René and sister-in-law, Marie; numerous nieces, nephews and even grand-nieces and nephews. He was affectionately known to many simply as Uncle Mau. He will also be missed by many cherished friends and colleagues.
He was predeceased by his father, Marcelin; mother, Jeannette; step-father, Denis; and brothers, Hector, Adrien, and Marcel. Maurice’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Maurice would often say, “La vie est belle”, a good reminder to appreciate all the little moments life has to offer. Thank you to the staff at Sacred Heart Community Health Centre, especially Doctor Kassy and Doctor Amélie.
Visitation will be held in St. Joseph’s Church, St. Joseph du Moine on Monday, September 15, 2025 from 9:30 am until time of funeral mass at 11:00 am with Father Daniel Gustave officiating. Burial to follow in the parish cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to La Paroisse de Saint Joseph du Moine, The Heart and Stroke Foundation or charity of your choice.
Condolences
We were shocked to hear of Maurice’s passing. He was our best man at our wedding 47 years ago. We had the great pleasure of hiking with him in Cape Breton a couple of years ago. All our love to Joshephone and Rene. He will be missed.
Mes sincères condoléances pour mes voisins, Joséphine et Léandre, mon amie Renée, et toute la famille. Uncle Mau avait toujours le sourire et une bonne histoire à raconter. Les communautés de Chéticamp et du Moine sont chanceux d’avoir bénéficié de son travail et sa passion.
So sad to hear about Maurice. I worked with Maurice at the Canadian Bureau for International Education in Ottawa for many years. He was a fantastic colleague, and more importantly, friend who always had a story to share, able to make you laugh and there to offer support. He truly had time for people and seemed to turn Ottawa into a village. He will be so missed. Sending my condolences to his family and friends.
Mes sincères condoléances à la famille et les amis de Maurice. J’ai rencontré Maurice à l’école NDA, nous étions dans la même année. Je n’ai que de bons souvenirs de Maurice et j’étais heureuse d’apprendre qu’il avait choisi de vivire au p’tit lac quand il est revenu dans le canton. Une bonne personne qui a laissé sa marque.
I knew Maurice from CBIE. He always found his name amusing in translation.
He was one of the warmest people I have had the pleasure to know. It is therefore sad in these times of anger to see the passing of such a person.
Sincere condolences to the family of Maurice. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time. Luce M. and Paul Ryan, Waltham, Ma.
I had the great pleasure of working with Maurice for 15 years at the Canadian Bureau for International Education. Maurice was always such a bright light- full of optimism, good cheer and a contagious joie de vivre.
Everyone loved Maurice and he was admired for his humanity, his initiative, his wonderful people skills dealing with international trainees and his strong sense of teamwork. My deepest condolences to Maurice’s family and close friends. He will live on in our hearts.
Condolences to Maurice’s family and many friends. We had many good times with him in Ottawa. We appreciated his hard work on international projects, making him a good partner for Saint Mary’s University’s outreach.
Maurice was a much valued professional at the Canadian Bureau for International Education managing a wide range of CBIE’s international activities in Canada and around the world. I recall his particularly important efforts in the start up of the first Omani Scholarship Program in Canada (a new relationship), his special expertise managing the UN Fellowship Program sending officials from around the globe for an on the job experience in Canadian industries, public sector agencies, and research institutions. Notably, Maurice was assigned to accompany senior officials sent by Qatar’s royal family, to select IT partners for the development of a multi-billion project establishing a fully accredited Canadian college in Qatar.
Most of all I remember Maurice’s good nature in helping build the cohesive CBIE team, his positive attitude drawing people together. Maurice was blessed with ability to make people smile.
To his family and friends, my wife Janna and I send our deepest condolences. May He Rest in Peace!
Retired President, Canadian Bureau for International Education,(1987-2009).
Uncle Mau was truly iconic. From the moment I met him, I was in awe! His energy, his outrageous stories, and the way he lit up every table he sat at. I feel so lucky to have shared meals and moments with him, and to have learned from the way he lived life so fully. I’ll be holding him in my thoughts with great affection.
Our condolences to the family!
Marie Sophie & Gaston
My husbands Camil and I would like to send our deepest condolences to Josèe , Léandre, Nicole, Renee, Eric and the entire family. I worked with Maurice for at least 20 years, he was always cheerful, giggles all the time, never saw him in a bad mood, liked to joke around, had many funny stories to tell, the light of the party, he was kind, generous, always ready to help, an excellent cook, he cooked with passion and love, loved his glass of wine, a world traveller for sure, very loyal, sincere in his work and to his many friends, I can go on and on and on, he will be missed terribly and will be in our hearts and thoughts always, May He Rest In Peace