Obituary for Elaine Ann LeBlanc
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Elaine Ann LeBlanc on Saturday, July 25, 2020, at the age of 80. She was the daughter of the late John and Mary (Zatelny) Ketchuk of Portage la Prairie, MB, and the beloved wife of the late Stephen (“Bernie”) LeBlanc. Loving mother of Catherine, Stephen (Chantal) and Lawrence (Tricia) and loving grandmother to Martine, Stephanie, Nicole and Josephine.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, Elaine is survived by her nieces Lori and Debra and their families. Elaine was predeceased by her brother Donald. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Burquitlam Funeral Home in Coquitlam, BC.
Elaine grew up in Portage la Prairie where she excelled as a champion figure skater before becoming a schoolteacher. Her first assignment placed her in Gimli, MB where she met her husband Bernie who was a flying instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Force. After living the nomadic military life while raising three young children (Catherine was born in Gimli, Stephen was born in Alliston, ON, and Lawrence was born in Brandon, MB), Elaine and Bernie moved their young family to Winnipeg in 1967 after Bernie was hired by Air Canada. While she had given up her teaching career to raise a family, she drew on that teacher’s training, as well as her competitive figure skating experience to help her children grow through school and sports. She was also a strong believer in the value of a musical education, and the sounds of the piano, guitar, drums and various other instruments were often heard in the LeBlanc household. After the children left home, Elaine retired with Bernie to Abbotsford, BC where they enjoyed travelling together and hosting Christmas and other family events.
Due to the current Covid-19 situation, there are no immediate plans for a memorial service. We will organize a celebration of her life once the situation improves enough for people to feel safe travelling, socializing, and hugging. If you are interested in attending such an event please contact elainesmemorial80@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C., Alzheimer Society of Canada or your local chapter.
In addition to her children and grandchildren, Elaine is survived by her nieces Lori and Debra and their families. Elaine was predeceased by her brother Donald. Cremation has taken place under the direction of Burquitlam Funeral Home in Coquitlam, BC.
Elaine grew up in Portage la Prairie where she excelled as a champion figure skater before becoming a schoolteacher. Her first assignment placed her in Gimli, MB where she met her husband Bernie who was a flying instructor with the Royal Canadian Air Force. After living the nomadic military life while raising three young children (Catherine was born in Gimli, Stephen was born in Alliston, ON, and Lawrence was born in Brandon, MB), Elaine and Bernie moved their young family to Winnipeg in 1967 after Bernie was hired by Air Canada. While she had given up her teaching career to raise a family, she drew on that teacher’s training, as well as her competitive figure skating experience to help her children grow through school and sports. She was also a strong believer in the value of a musical education, and the sounds of the piano, guitar, drums and various other instruments were often heard in the LeBlanc household. After the children left home, Elaine retired with Bernie to Abbotsford, BC where they enjoyed travelling together and hosting Christmas and other family events.
Due to the current Covid-19 situation, there are no immediate plans for a memorial service. We will organize a celebration of her life once the situation improves enough for people to feel safe travelling, socializing, and hugging. If you are interested in attending such an event please contact elainesmemorial80@gmail.com
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer Society of B.C., Alzheimer Society of Canada or your local chapter.