North Sydney, NS
April 9, 1958 - October 22, 2024
We are heartbroken to announce the passing of Brenda Ann LeBlanc, beloved wife, mother, and friend, on October 22, 2024, in the An Cala unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital. Brenda was born on April 9, 1958, to the late Matthew and Effie (Piercey) Skinner of North Sydney.
She is survived by her devoted and loving husband of 42 years, Paul, and leaves behind her two precious and dedicated daughters, Katie and Emily (Michelle Skelding). Brenda is also survived by her loving brothers Roland (Joan) of North Sydney, Ross (Kay) of Bras d’Or, and Blane of New Brunswick; step-sister Linda Chislett (Dennis) of Barrie, Ont; sisters-in-law Marion (Seldon) Mackenzie, Ruth (Dennis) Shea, Glenda (Raymond) Martin and Lydia (Brian) Fraser, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins from the Skinner, LeBlanc, and Kendall families.
She is also survived by her beloved grand-puppy Pinto. She was predeceased by her parents; stepmother Margaret; in-laws Florian (Lollie) and Rose LeBlanc; step-brothers Wes, Walter, and Stan; uncles Stan, Harold, Henry, Jack, Ron and Philip, aunts Fanny and Mary.
Growing up in North Sydney, Brenda graduated from Thompson High School in 1976. She attended Cape Breton Business College for the secretarial program and began working in the Open Hearth Department at Sydney Steel. She moved to be with Paul on Vancouver Island and then to Calgary, where she worked in health and safety. After returning to Cape Breton in 1982, she began her 29-year career with Veterans Affairs Canada, where she became a caseworker and enjoyed providing care and service to her many clients. She also briefly worked at Citizenship and Immigration Canada following her time at VAC.
In retirement, she spent many days at her “happy place,” the family cottage in Northside East Bay with her buddy Sam. She enjoyed her vacations in Redington Beach with Paul and friends, many international trips and adventures, and looked forward to the annual family trip to Whale Cove in Margaree. Bringing family and friends together was something she loved–whether it was for a holiday, a girl's weekend or a Wednesday night catch-up–she made sure there were always games, food, music and good times when we got together.
She wishes to thank her many groups of friends who stood by her side during this difficult time, especially the “7 Wonders”, “0-100”, “Great Old Friends,” and her Yoga Sisters. Paul and the girls especially thank all of her friends for being with her, cheering her up, and supporting us all during these last few months.
Thank you for the wonderful care provided by Dr. Peter Poulos. Your compassion has been outstanding and will never be forgotten by our family. Thanks also to Arlene and the staff of the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, CBRH 4D unit, An Cala staff, and Dr. Dawn Browne for their attentive care.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cape Breton Cancer Centre, An Cala Palliative Care or North Sydney Food Bank in Brenda’s memory.
Would you capture all the perfume that wafts on the gentle breezes
among the blossoms that are home to hummingbird and bee.
And please gather all the dewdrops, these glistening jewels of the morning.
Gather them with tenderness and bring them here to me.
And my heart will then be glad, with an unsurpassing gladness;
my soul shall know the peace that flows from happy memories.
One Wild Rose
(by Hector MacKenzie, performed by The Barra MacNeils)
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