Some believe that angels walk among us. For those who don’t, they simply had not met Marilyn Leclaire; she was a real angel. With her recent passing after a twelve year battle with dementia, all those who love her celebrate the life of this devoted wife, sister, aunt, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
Marilyn showered her family with a constant flow of love and praise. There was never an outburst of anger or frustration. Never a moment of doubt or suspicion. Never a moment of weakness or retreat. There was only strength through affection. Being completely unselfish, Marilyn generously donated her time and heart to anyone she encountered. She was a pillar in the community. If you were a stranger or a friend, she was unable to pass someone on the street without a smile or a conversation. A true embodiment of the Catholic faith.
Her patience, gentleness, and kindness helped mold generations of students during her career as a Gr. 1 teacher at St. Thomas The Apostle elementary school in Renfrew. She truly loved and cared for every student that crossed her path, making them feel seen, and special. Mrs. Leclaire is forever imprinted in their memory and their hearts.
Although Marilyn was tender and calm, she was a fighter. She didn’t fight with aggression, she fought with positivity and courageousness. Cancer challenged her twice only to be sent way defeated. She leaves behind a legacy of love, faith and service that will continue to inspire all those that knew her, even if only for a moment. We will miss her in the music, in the quiet, and in everything in between.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.” This quote rings true for many, as we send her home to watch over us.
Survived by her loving husband, Ron Leclaire, her two devoted sons; Joe (Andrea) and James (Méla), her best friend and loving sister Darlene (Chubby), her six adoring grandchildren; Mackenzie (Brady) Lawson, Kennedy, Delaney, Keilan & Estella, her precious great granddaughter, Margaret, her beloved brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Darryl & Sharron. (Ryan, Christie, Marlee & Charlie. Devin, Hailey, Macey & Abby). Predeceased by her parents, Edward & Mona Windle, in-laws Leonard and Margaret Leclaire, and her wonderful nephew Nathan.
Visitation will be held at the Goulet Funeral Home, 310 Argyle St., S Renfrew on Sunday April 19th from 2-4, and 7-9 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Most Precious Blood Church, Calabogie on Monday April 20th at 10:00 am. Interment parish cemetery. Donations in memory of Marilyn may be made to Bonnechere Manor Foundation or Breast Cancer Canada.
