Born in North Sydney to the late John F. Leblanc and Lillian Irene Day, Mary is survived by brothers John, Reg, Lawrence, Earl, Lloyd, Kevin, and William, and sisters Marina, Yanetta, Dorothy, and Beverly. She was predeceased by her sister, Doreen.

Having left her family home at a young age, Mary claimed the community of L’Arche as her second family, and we were happy to oblige. Over her 27 years as a member of L’Arche, Mary was model of strength, grace, and dignity. And yet, she loved to laugh, at herself and especially at others.

Mary was a woman who knew her own mind and stood up for her beliefs, no matter what the cost. Even as she aged, she never lost the ability to make things work in her favour: to get the right spoon, to skip the main meal in favour of dessert, to convince the young men to sit and hold her hand. We will miss her smile and her determination.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, November 6th , from 10:00am – 9:00pm at Mary’s home, The Vineyard, at 1397 Orangedale Road. A celebration of Mary’s life will be held in the L’Arche Cape Breton Chapel in Iron Mines at 3:00pm on Sunday, November 7th . Family and friends are invited to join the L’Arche community for a reception immediately following the service at the Angels’ Loft, Orangedale.

Donations in Mary’s memory may be made to The Hospice Society of Victoria County, P.O. Box 279, Baddeck, NS B0E 1B0.