Eileen Mae LeBLANC
We are saddened to say “See Ya Later” to Eileen M. LeBlanc who passed away on May 14, 2022, at the age of 89. Eileen joins her daughter Sharron, sister Isabel and parents Lillian and Elmer in heaven. Eileen was born on a farm East of Lacombe, AB and was the second of five children. Eileen is survived and lovingly remembered by her husband John of 69 years, son Larry (Angie), grandchildren: Lindsay and Brie, brothers: Bob (Lorraine), Bill (Wei Jun) and sister Sandra as well as many nieces and nephews.
Eileen had a love for animals especially horses and learned to ride at the age of 3 on the family farm East of Lacombe. Her favourite horse was named Babe. Growing up on the farm of course chores were due but couldn’t wait to get involved in sports especially baseball.
Eileen was in the RCAF working as a nurse where she met John, also in the Air Force. They married on June 10, 1953, and welcomed Sharron in 1954, and Larry in 1958. Within the year, John was transferred to 4 Wing in Zweibrucken, Germany where they lived until being transferred back to Canada in 1964. The family almost ended up in the small town of Gimli, Manitoba, however, John convinced them to post the family in Edmonton. Once the children were old enough Eileen went back to work- first at St. Angela, then Sir John Thompson and Archbishop MacDonald then years in Administration with the Edmonton Separate School Board (ESSB). Eileen made many friends working at ESSB and continued to meet with many of these friends after retiring, often saying “We Laughed and Laughed!” Eileen bowled for years and enjoyed going to bingo.
Eileen was a huge Montreal Expos fan and loved the Toronto Blue Jays. Eileen and Lillian were huge Edmonton Eskimo fans and had seasons tickets for years. Later Bob became a season ticket holder with Eileen. Eileen loved Commonwealth Stadium and attended the Opening Ceremonies of The Commonwealth Games, Canadian Woman’s Soccer matches and more.
Eileen loved being close to her family in the Lacombe area and rented cabins during the summer at Gull Lake. The family bought a cabin at Gull Lake where Eileen and family made many memories. Eileen took up golf and really enjoyed getting out with her girlfriends for a friendly round. She enjoyed taking the grandchildren golfing. Eileen enjoyed reading and I remember her saying “I Love Books”.
When Eileen’s daughter required a kidney due to her diabetes she generously and without hesitation became a Living Donor donating one of her kidneys to her Sharron.
The family would like to extend special thanks and wishes to the staff at Chartwell Wescott Retirement the University Hospital and St. Joseph’s Auxiliary Hospital. Eileen will be lovingly remembered and never forgotten!
My mom. The Best Mom! You are missed. Love you….
We weren’t ready to say goodbye! Special memories will always make me smile. Rest In peace big sister.❤️
I love this photo of Auntie Eileen tossing her head back and laughing just as I remember her. She had the most infectious laugh!
While I haven’t seen her in many years we had a nice visit on the phone after Mom passed. Auntie Eileen always had a way of visiting with such a supportive and kind manner. Her and Uncle Johnnie were always interested in what us kids had going on in our lives.
I recall summers visiting at their cabin and of course the Lacombe Ball Tournament was always a highlight. I always felt so lucky and special to be able to sit with her and Dad watching the games. Auntie Eileen wore the coolest sunglasses and knew a lot of people and about the game. Very fond memories of snacks and cool drinks between games.
Sincere condolences to Uncle Johnnie and Larry and Auntie Sandra, Uncle Bob and Dad and all the family. Hoping the many memories will bring comfort to you.
Love,
Shelley (Lesher) and Rick Spangler
I have very clear memories coming to Auntie Eileen and Uncle Johnnies house in Edmonton. They were always so welcoming and we shared many meals there. I recall the outdoor spaces being so manicured and beautiful. There was a lot of shade trees and I loved just enjoying the little spaces we would explore out there. They let us kids “go play” in the basement after eating and to have a coloured TV with so many channels was a real treat for this farm kid! 😀. I remember asking my mom once when it was home time if I could just stay and your mom said “of course you can”. My mom had a little different answer. Oh and another thing I remember about your mom is she had the most infectious laugh. When she laughed out loud we all laughed. It was just the best!
THEN there was the ball tournaments in Lacombe. I just loved so much when your mom would drive down to join our family. I could hardly wait for her to arrive. She would come with her car loaded with food and drinks for between games and it was so fun! Her and dad were determined we had to sit along the third base line every single game. I thought that was funny and could never understand why those were the “hot seats” but anyway that was their thing. She was very good at predicting the game outcomes and she definitely knew ball. I learned a lot from her as she had the patience to explain things to me bless her heart ❤️
And finally my memories from going to her cabin at the lake. I recall it being the cutest little cabin ever and she always had some kind of little treats for us. I seem to remember she really loved going there and had a sense of comfort coming to the country for some R&R. I’ve drove out there recently to try and find the cabin or at least where it was. Not sure if I’ve got it right…..but anyway 🤷♀️ fun to reminisce.
Deepest condolences to all of the family.
Dave and Penny Robbins
Rest easy Auntie Eileen
I love you
It has been a very long time since I have seen Auntie Eileen but I do recall many enjoyable visits with her in my childhood and my youth, especially out at Gull Lake since our cabins were very close. I also recall going to Auntie Eileen’s in Edmonton for Christmas the odd time and getting the best gifts. She gave me this poodle macrame art project as a Christmas gift and I loved it. My art project turned out to look very much like Heidi, the family poodle! Auntie Eileen also gave me this cookbook from the school she worked at and I use it (especially the banana bread recipe) a lot.
My deepest sympathies to Uncle Johnny, Larry, his family, Auntie Sandra, Uncle Bill and Uncle Bob. Auntie Eileen will now finally get to visit with my mom again! RIP Auntie Eileen Sincerely Tracy Angel