Rose LeBlanc

LeBlanc (Pierre), Rose Marie

It is with profound sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt, caregiver, and best friend on Dec. 5th 2020 at the An Cala unit of the CBRH surrounded by her loving family following a brief illness.

Rose was born in Sydney, on Jan. 4th 1946. She was the youngest of 13 children born to the late Harry and Verlie (Inkpen) Pierre.

She grew up with her parents and siblings in Whitney Pier in what was known as "The Khattar Block", Mount Pleasant Street, and later on Brickyard Road in Mira.

Rose left school at a young age and traveled to Montréal where she worked with her sister Ollie at St. Patrick's orphanage. She would often speak of her experiences there with great fondness, and like Ollie, would remain in contact with some of the girls from the orphanage all her life.

After she returned to Cape Breton, her and Frank met, fell in love, and were married in East Bay in 1963. She was 17. They lived in many different places but eventually settled in Sydney Forks, where they raised their three girls, Francine, Rosalinde, Tracy, and later on their grandson Evan, who they thought of as their son.

Over the years Rose worked at the Castle Court Restaurant in Sydney River, the Meadows Motel, she canvassed during elections, provided daycare for the neighbourhood children (who were always eager to raid her junk food drawer). She was affectionately known as "The TV lady" at St. Rita's hospital where she loved socializing with patients and the less fortunate. She then spent over 10 years at Walmart Sydney River as a cashier and in the layaway department, a job that she cherished. She made many friends there and was adored by customers and coworkers alike.

Rose was a firecracker. She spoke her mind, gave sound advice, and her honest opinions. She always showed us the right way to do things and was quick witted with an amazing sense of humor. We had many laughs together and her voice will echo with us the rest of our lives. She was always busy from the moment her feet hit the floor. There was housework to be done, grocery store sales and antiques and thrift store treasures. Our lunches were packed, the table was set, and hearty meals were made.

She was always thinking of us, and took great care in finding the most thoughtful gifts. We never left empty handed. She cherished her family, her friends, and our family pets. We had Cabot Trail road trips, Sundays at her sister's in Mira, and countless hours spent beachcombing, treasure hunting, and exploring the outdoors which she loved so much. Our memories are filled with warmth, happiness, laughs, and endless love.

She will be deeply missed by her husband of 57 years, Francis LeBlanc, her daughters Francine (Kevin), Rosalinde(John) Phillips, Tracy (Dennis), her beloved grandchildren, Evan (Tessa), Alyssa (Kevin), Ashley, Erica, Anthony; her surviving sister Dorothy(Burns), brother Willie, her many nieces and nephews who loved their "Aunt Rose", our family dog Riddick who she loved dearly, and many family friends and relatives who thought the world of her.

Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her brothers Howie, Donnie, Finlay, Gordie, sisters Bella(O'Neil), Verlie(Burns), Martha(Noseworthy), Ollie, and siblings Judy, Norman, and grandson Ryan in infancy.

As per Rose's wishes she was cremated under the direction of Forest Haven. She did not wish for any service to take place. She will be interred at a later date.

Donations can be made to the Cape Breton Branch of the SPCA, or the An Cala unit of the CBRH.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all those involved in caring for her in her final days. A special thanks goes to her daughter Tracy who completed the most honorable nursing assignment of her life by caring for her mother in her final weeks, to Rose's incredible husband Frank for his love and devotion, as well as the VON, paramedics, doctors, nurses, and staff at the CBRH.

"I may be small, but I'm mighty, and I carry a big stick"

We love you Mom.

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