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LEBLANC, Matilda

With profound sadness we regret to share the loss of Matilda “Tilda” Leblanc on Saturday, May 1, 2021, at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital, Sydney, NS, with her son, George and daughter, Pat by her side. Born September 28, 1924, in Margaree, she was the daughter of the late John Charlie and Mathilda (Chaisson) Leblanc. As a child, Tilda lived on a farm in Margaree and took great pride in sharing her many stories with her grandchildren. Being in bare feet and having no shoes in the summer was a very intriguing memory for her grandchildren. Another favorite memory for them was her story of the “bear coming down the mountain.” Every time she told the story she would sing the song, which they would sing with her. During the war years, she went to Montreal to work and while she was there learned to appreciate high fashion and wearing “pretty shoes”. After the war she married John Joseph and began a life in the military, which brought her to various places in Canada. When John retired, they made their home in Sydney. Being the excellent cook she was, she became the pastry chef at the Macgillivray Guest Home in Sydney. An opportunity arose for her to work at the Fortress of Louisbourg as the hostess of the L’epee Royale restaurant. Tilda took her role seriously as the wife of Pierre, the fisherman. She spent the day telling the tourists she was waiting for Pierre to return from sea. A writer with National Geographic included Tilda in his story emphasizing her shrill voice that could be heard all over the town. Tilda was an accomplished seamstress, knitter, quilter, and she did exceptional embroidery. She was always sitting in “her chair” doing her wonderful work. Being the generous person that she was, she was always giving small gifts of dishcloths, scrubbers, embroidered pillowcases, tote bags and knitted socks. Those who received her gifts knew they were special. Tilda was a force! She had a strong sense of independence and a voice that would fill a room. In her retirement years, she was a member of the Council of Seniors. She knew the senior issues well and was not afraid to voice her opinions to enhance the lives of seniors in this province. In the last number of years, Tilda was a regular at Tim Hortons with her buddies whom she enjoyed. These men will certainly miss her humor and high spirit. The most important activities Tilda did were with her grandchildren. One tells the story of Nanie teaching him how to skin a rabbit and “cracking” the foot off. She taught her granddaughters the French Acadian tradition of making chicken and rabbit pies at Christmas time. With the Christmas music on and voices joining in, dozens of pies were made. Her love of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will be treasured forever! Matilda is survived by her son, George (Mary Beth); daughter, Patricia “Pat” Almon; grandchildren, Heather, Jennifer (Ryan), Geoffrey, Douglas (Miah) and Robert (Evie); and ten great-grandchildren. She is also survived by many loving nieces and nephews. Matilda was predeceased by her husband, John Joseph; son, Michael Charles; son-in law, Lauchie Almon; and granddaughter, Paula Almon. Being the last surviving member of her immediate family, Matilda was also predeceased by her sisters, Sister Agnes, Florence, Marie Henriette and Little Florence and brothers, John Joseph, Charlie, Jimmy and Gabriel. Due to Covid restrictions, funeral arrangements will be shared at a later date. Interment will take place in Resurrection Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Patient Care Fund with the Cape Breton Regional Hospital Foundation. Words of comfort can be sent to the family at www.sydneymemorialchapel.ca or e-mail sydneymemorialchapel@ns.sympatico.ca

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2021-05-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

2021-05-08T07:00:00.0000000Z

https://saltwire.pressreader.com/article/282041920004379

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