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
Derek and Tammy Mainville
Linda Moed
My heart breaks hearing of your passing. My condolences to all family members, may she be with God now. R.I.P. Dear Ruby
Donna Reeve & Peter Osborne
To The Leblanc family, Thinking of you all during this heart wrenching loss and as you celebrate Ruby’s wonderful life, together sharing and loving fond memories of her.
Lucrezia Hnetka
Ruby was the heart of the St. Matt's office. Her welcome, her smile and her sense of humour kept us all laughing.....always! We have do many wonderful memories of our time together. May you rest in peace. 🙏 Sincere condolences to Ruby's family.
Delle Nizman
My deepest sympathy to you, Norm, Ron, Shauna and your families. I worked with Ruby for 13 years and she became a dear friend. She had such a great sense of humour. Always ready with a funny quip, she could take the tension out of any situation that developed. She introduced me to painting and after retirement, we both enrolled in a painting class in Kanata and spent every Friday for 10 years driving the Queensway from Orleans to take the class. I enjoyed those long trips as we discussed every topic under the sun and I came to know her even better. - she was a wonderful lady with a heart of gold. She dealt with her Parkinson’s for many years, and it took a toll on her body, but she fought it as hard as she could, all the way. I was so sorry I wasn’t able to visit her when she was moved to Carleton Place. Now I like to think that she’s up there, re-united with family and her friend, Deb, moving freely, and looking down on all of us with a big smile. I will miss her and think of her every time I look at one of the paintings we did together at that class.
Delle❤️
Alayne& norm lovitt
So very sorry to hear that Ruby has passed. She was a wonderfully patient & caring person.
Christopher Di Giglio
My condolences to you and your family Ron
Mallory Linton & Family
Our hearts ache for your loss. All of us are here if you need anything ♥️
Raina Lyall
Ruby was a great Aunt. An amazing artist and a fighter! I’m so sorry for your loss Uncle Norm and family.
Sandra Bartlett
For many years Ruby was a very kind and welcoming presence at St. Matthew High School. The world will miss her warmth and smile.
My sincerest condolences to her family.
For many years Ruby was a very kind a welcoming presence at St. Matthew High School. The world will miss her smile and warmth.
Blessings to all her family.
Condolences to Ron and the entire Leblanc family. Tam and I spent some time reminiscing about her time at St Matthews and how she would always cut us some slack when we arrived late for school. Definitely one of the cool moms!! Thoughts and prayers to you all.