Obituary of Charmaine Grace LeBlanc

Charmaine Grace LeBlanc of Gravelbourg, SK, passed away on Friday, June 15, 2012, at the age of 81 years. Charmaine was born in Lafleche, SK, on March 25, 1931, to William and Muriel Pratte. She received her education at Mathieu College in Lafleche and finished her education at Thévenet College in Gravelbourg. After her graduation Charmaine’s family moved to Spokane, WA and while there she took a secretarial course at Kinman College. Next, the family moved to Scobey, MN, where Charmaine worked as a teller at the Citizens State Bank until she married Gerald LeBlanc in 1950. Charmaine and Gerald resided and raised their family in Gravelbourg. Charmaine was always there for her children; she spent her time sewing dresses, costumes, Barbie clothes, making delicious meals, cookies and hosting birthday parties. Later, she enjoyed attending her grandchildren’s hockey and baseball games, school plays, graduations and special ceremonies. Charmaine and Gérald loved to travel and together they enjoyed a few cruises, trips to Portugal, Mexico, Hawaii and many other warm destinations with friends. There were also many special trips with family to Waterton, Cypress Hills, Black Hills, Scobey and Thomson Lake. Charmaine had many callings during her lifetime. She was a devoted wife, mother, friend, confidante and hard worker. She worked at the local post office, volunteered at the senior citizens home and belonged to the C.W.L. Charmaine participated in the Terry Fox Run from its beginning in 1981 and partook for over thirty years, regardless of the state of her health. Charmaine inspired family and friends to do the same. She had a zest for life and loved dancing, quoting Shakespeare and knitting. Charmaine touched all who came into her life with grace and made everyone feel that they had a place. She will be dearly missed by her family and friends. Charmaine is survived by Gérald, her loving husband of 61 years; six children, Gisèle (Jerry) Ellis, Marcelle (Chill Wong) LeBlanc, Denise (Donald) Green, Gérald Jr. Odile) LeBlanc, Rhéanne (Kim) Piché, Dianne (Gil) Parent; twelve grandchildren, Jennifer, Tylan, Steven, Jesse, Danny, Kealin, Katelyn, André, Nicholas, Chris, Emalie, Jayden; four great grandchildren, Ty, Kale, Luke, Lilly; her sister Lilly (Henri) Soucy; brother Kenny (Donna) Pratte; brother-in-law Yvon Piché and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her parents, Willie and Muriel Pratte; infant son, Gérald Kenneth; sister, Dolly Piché; infant grandchildren, James Ellis and Sarah Green. Funeral Mass was celebrated on Tuesday, June 19, 2012, at 2:00 p.m., from Our Lady of the Assumption Co-Cathedral, Gravelbourg, SK, with Father Joseph Strohhofer officiant. The eulogy was shared by Rhéanne Piché and Dianne Parent. Cross bearer was Katelyn Green. Readers were Jennifer Pratte and Steven Gauthier. Intentions were read by Emalie Parent and Christianne Chabot. Offertory gifts were presented by Denise Green and Donald Green. Soloist Henri Lepage was accompanied by organist Leona Bourgeois. Special music by Gérald and Odile LeBlanc. Urn bearers were Rhéanne Piché and Dianne Parent. Honorary pallbearers were Charmaine’s grandchildren and great grandchildren. An honor guard was formed by the Catholic Women’s League. Interment took place at the Gravelbourg Roman Catholic Cemetery. Memorial tributes in memory of Charmaine to the Terry Fox Foundation, 1812 9th Ave. N., Regina, SK S4R 7T4, Heart & Stroke Foundation, 279 3rd Ave. N., Saskatoon, SK S7K 2H8 and the Foyer d’Youville Foundation, Box 810, Gravelbourg, SK S0H 1X0,are greatly appreciated. The family would like to thank the nurses and staff of the Gravelbourg hospital, Dr. Pillay, Dr. Naidu, Dr. Couture and Dr. Coneys for the compassion and care they gave not only to mom but to her family. Much appreciation and thanks is also extended to all who shared their condolences, gifts of food and tributes. Your expressions of caring will always be remembered.