It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of Ruby LeBlanc (Gilbert / Durnin) in her 77th year, on Tuesday, March 22nd at Carlton Place & District Memorial Hospital. Born October 3rd 1944 in Barrie, Ontario to the late Edna Durnin (Curtain) and Moore Gilbert (deceased).
Raised by her mother and step-father Calvin Durnin (deceased) in Portage la Prairie, Manitoba and oldest of three children Debora Durnin-Richards (Tim) and Dick Durnin (Pat).
Ruby began her career after completing secretarial training and worked with the RCMP and the City of Portage la Prairie.
Her marriage to Norbert (Norm) LeBlanc from Saint-Anselme, NB on August 19th, 1967, lead them to live in Val Cartier, St Hubert, Que; Dartmouth, NS, Orleans, Navan and Clarence Creek, ON., throughout his military career.
Ruby's career included working for a real estate firm and the Minister of Education in NS. She loved her job with St. Matthew High School in Orleans, ON where she made many friends with staff and students through her 20 years there.
Ruby leaves behind her husband of 54 years, her son Ronald LeBlanc (Jennifer Linton-LeBlanc) (Carleton Place, ON), with their four children; Emily, Clayton, Rebecca and Hudson. Her daughter Shawna Paulsen and son Jared (Brandon, MB) and two step-children; Sydney (Brandon, MB) and Andrea (Virden, MB).
Ruby’s passion and talent for painting led her to teach adult continuing education classes. Family and friends still cherish her artistic ability and the many works of art she lovingly created. The constant companionship of her best friend Deb Gulliver (deceased) brought Ruby tremendous joy.
Ruby enjoyed spending time with family and friends, laughing and always wearing a smile on her face. She was a loving and caring person, devoted wife, mother, sibling and friend, always thinking of others first. “To know her was to love her.”
Ruby leaves behind her husband, children, grandchildren, brother, sister, cousins, nieces and nephews to cherish her loving memory.
In Ruby’s honour, donations can be made to Parkinson Canada
A graveside service will be held on Monday, March 28, 2022 at 10:00 am at Beechwood Cemetery. Anyone wishing to attend is asked to meet at the reception of the main building at 9:45 am to form a procession.
Digital Guestbook
Rob Oickle
Mary Lemoine
Sincere condolences to all of Ruby's family members. May you find comfort in your fond memories.
I worked with Ruby at St. Matthew Catholic H.S. for a number of years. Ruby knew how to keep all of us in line with a seriousness, a joke and/or a wink of an eye.
May she rest in peace!
Mary Lemoine
Sincere condolences to the LeBlanc family.
Mary & Barry Lemoine
Rhonda
Shawna you and your family gained an angel that is with you every day. She’s there supporting you when times are difficult, she comforts you with her magical mom love. I didn’t get to spend enough time with her. She was a natural at welcoming people in. Her creativity amazing, and you share her talents. Her administrative skills were passed on to you and of course you ran with them! Your mom’s beauty is with you. This short list only touches a small part of what she contributed to those around her. You, your brother, dad and all the grandchildren are most certainly blessed. Ruby may be her name however it is so much more. “Known as protector, bringing happiness and passion into the life of others. Ruby has the gift of gab-the ability to persuade others effortlessly. She’s expressive, optimistic, outgoing and inspiring. She’s charming and cheerful and the life of any social gathering. Ruby fascinates others with her creativity.”
She is true to her name.
Love you my dear friend and I give free hugs.
My thoughts are with Ron and the entire Leblanc family during this time. Mrs. Leblanc was like a second mom to myself and my friends back in high school - always there to listen, exchange some sarcasm, keep the peace, key contact we had 'on the inside' at the office and more than willing to knock you're head back straight when 'teenage wisdom' would take over.
I will fondly remember, with a smile, her telling me to stop sending scared grade 7's to the office for not having their hall passes... which they didn't need to have, of course.
Rest well Mrs.Lebanc!!