Joanne Marlene LeBlanc
1940-2023
Joanne Marlene LeBlanc was an exemplary human being who touched countless lives. We, her family, are deeply heartbroken by this immeasurable loss but are comforted knowing she gained her angel wings on May 22, 2023, at the Saint John Regional Hospital surrounded by her loving daughters.
Joanne was born February 26, 1940, in Saint John, New Brunswick to Henry and Clare Cormier. She experienced an enchanted childhood with her brother Paul, and sisters Jean and Linda.
In 1960, Joanne was called to join the convent and became a Sister of Charity. Before she took her final vows, Joanne left the convent with a heavy heart in 1965. She then went on to work for NBTel where her boss introduced her to the love of her life, Ernie LeBlanc.
Joanne and Ernie met in late summer of 1971. They were married June 3, 1972, and welcomed their first born, Andrea, in July 1973. Their second daughter, Stephanie, was born in December 1974. Joanne was many things to many people – wife, sister, daughter, friend, aunt, grandmother – but the role she cherished most was that of mother. She lived her life for her girls and gave selflessly so they could have the life she dreamed for them. She was deeply rooted in her faith and attended, and was actively involved with, St. Mark Catholic Church from 1979 to 1994. She then attended and participated actively with St. George’s Catholic Church as well as several parishes in New Brunswick and Ontario.
Joanne was love. She was a passionate animal advocate and prayed for and defended the least fortunate and the most vulnerable. Anyone in her presence could feel the light emanating from her. She accepted everyone without judgment and had a quiet and peaceful heart. All who knew her felt seen and heard. She was a woman who lived her faith.
She is survived by her loving husband Ernie LeBlanc of nearly 51 years, daughters Andrea LeBlanc (Craig Galbraith) and Stephanie LeBlanc. She leaves behind 3 cherished grandchildren, Levi, Darah and Kaylah, sisters Jean Gallant (Delphin) and Linda Bastarache (Sandy), many nieces and nephews, and beloved friends. She is predeceased by her parents and her brother Paul Cormier (Carmen).
Special thanks to close family friend Elizabeth Doherty and to the amazing staff at Fundy Nursing Home and 3B North Palliative Care at the Saint John Regional Hospital.
Visitation will be held Friday May 26th from 6 to 9 pm at St. George Funeral Home. Mass and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday May 27th at 11 am at St. George’s Catholic Church, St. George, with a reception to follow at St. George Legion. All are encouraged to incorporate red into their attire as it was Joanne’s favourite colour.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the St. George Animal Shelter (https://stgeorgeanimalshelter.ca) would be greatly appreciated.