Marie LECKIE

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LECKIE:Marie “Jeanne” Leckie (nee Gratton) of Treherne, Manitoba passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 6, 2011. Born Dec. 14, 1914 in Ste. Agathe, Manitoba, Jeanne epitomized a life of dedication, service and “joie de vivre”, which will remain an example for us all. Growing up in Southern Manitoba after the Great War, Jeanne was one of seven who worked on the family farm and survived many Red River floods. She aspired to dedicate her life in service as a nun, but instead went into nursing. She spent many years working at the Misericordia Hospital on Sherbrook Street, where she especially loved being in the nursery with the children. Her experience and expertise as a hospital nurse later lead her to be the first Matron of the Tiger Hills Hospital in the late 1950’s, where she would bring a new level of healthcare to a rural community. It was there that she met the love and partner of her life; Neil, who was foreman of the crew building the hospital, and they were married February 6, 1960. It was with Neil that Jeanne became mother to her daughters; Cecelia and Shirley. Her hospital management precision and attention to detail softened to motherly love and fondness for her new family and daughters, which further melted into teasing and spoiling for the 6 grandchildren and later four great-grandchildren she would receive. Grandma or "Grandmere" was known for always producing books, trinkets, sweets and other questionable artifacts whenever she was visited. Jeanne was also renowned for her attention to international affairs and national and international politics, reading the newspaper every day and discussing the merits and ethics of government decisions with conviction. She always remained true to her FrancoManitobain roots, taking pride in her grandchildren and great-grandchildren learning French and always voting Liberal in a constituency that solidly voted Conservative. However, it was her love of service and vocation that most stayed with her throughout her life, affirming in old age that - if she were to get a second chance on this earth - she would like to come back as a missionary; serving the poor and destitute of the developing world. Aside from these convictions, Jeanne/ Mum/ Grandma/ Grandmere was most loved for her life and spirit; always cracking the funniest joke, never passing up the chance for a party with her family, and always willing to draw attention to herself and her own sense of ridiculous.Left to mourn Jeanne’s passing are her daughters Cecelia (Dennis) Chimuk of Beausejour, Manitoba, and Shirley (Larry) Hammond of Brandon, Manitoba, grandchildren Brian (Elizabeth) Chimuk, Douglas (Jennifer) Chimuk, Shannon (Joe) Langan, Michael (Cheryl) Clark, Melissa (Chris) Allen and Sean Hammond and great-grandchildren Desmond and Kiera Langan and Colin and Emily Clark. Also left to mourn Jeanne’s passing are her sister-in-law, Margaret Leckie of Treherne, Manitoba and numerous nieces and nephews. Jeanne was pre-deceased by her husband Neil in 2005, her parents Ferdinand and Marie (nee Gagne), sisters Angeline and Hortense Gratton and Denise Girardin, and brothers Ferdinand, Hilare (Arcelie) and Noel.Liturgy of the word was held from the Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Treherne, Manitoba on February 11, 2011. Internment followed at the Bethel Cemetery with Sean Hammond acting as Urn Bearer. If friends so wish, donations may be made to Tiger Hills Health Centre or a charity of one’s choice. Jeanne, your life was an example for us all. Please look down on us, from the heavens, and know that we loved our time with you as much as we loved who you were. We will all miss you dearly.For online condolences visit www.willmorchapel.com. Jamieson’s - Budz Funeral Service of Holland in care of arrangements. 204-526-2380 or 204-827-2480.

As published in Brandon Sun on Feb 19, 2011