We would like you to know that our beloved Mother, Grandma, and Great Grandma, Serena Constance LeBlanc, passed away peacefully in the quiet morning hours on June 20, 2002. Grandma Connie was born in 1913 to a large and loving family in Selkirk, Manitoba. She filled her 88 years with 60 years of love for her husband, Joe, who predeceased Grandma in 1996, and the love of her family: daughter Carol MacKenzie of Sidney; grandchildren, Kim and Randy Longmuir of Parksville, Karen and Jerry Akerstream of Winnipeg, Kevin MacKenzie of Victoria, and Kelly MacKenzie of Sidney; and cherished great grandchildren Jeremy Akerstream and Caley Longmuir.
Grandma’s passions in life, other than her loved ones, were gardening, crafts, dancing, and playing her tiny organ. Grandma taught “disco” lessons as a senior! Grandma Connie was a genuine individual, especially with her own distinctive fashion style. She wasn’t a follower, and always let her creative ideas lead her. The teaching profession missed out on one very talented lady!
Our family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff at Trillium Lodge, who for the last year made Grandma feel like family, and for providing us with a calm and loving atmosphere to be with Grandma when she died. Heartfelt thanks also go out to Dr. Rob Waite for his respectful and kind care of Grandma, and to her devoted and exceptional neighbours and friends, Louise Wall and Joan Heron.
It was Grandma’s wish to be cremated, and not to have a memorial service. In going through Grandma’s possessions, and knowing her strong faith, we found a yellowed newspaper clipping that was perfect for Grandma.
“God saw you getting tired / So He put His arms around you / And whispered, “Come with Me.” / He put you in His garden / And laid you there to rest / God’s garden must be beautiful / For He only takes the best.”
Sweet dreams, our precious Grandma!