Hermance Denise Cormier (LeBlanc)
July 13, 1932 – April 24, 2020
It is with profound sadness we announce that our mother, 87, passed to be with her Lord on April 24th at Northwood Centre in Halifax. She was born in Cormier’s Cove, New Brunswick. She was the 7th child born to a family of 13 children. she was the daughter of the late Aurèle LeBlanc and Olida (Léger).
She is survived by her 5 sons, Joseph (Debbie) Lower Sackville, Gérard (Gary) Halifax, Clarence (Tracey) Edmonton Alberta, Robert of Halifax, and Donald of Dartmouth. She leaves 6 grandchildren, Michael, Diana, Nicholas, Joshua, Robin, and Denise, as well as 4 great grandchildren, Jonah, Isaiah, Évangéline, and Bellamy. She is survived by her brother Rodolphe of Moncton, New Brunswick and sisters Angèla of Moncton, New Brunswick and Francine of Charlebourg, Québec. She is also survived by 89 nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her husband of 63 years, Edgar, brothers Paul-Émile, Joseph, Ronaldo, Normand, Bernard Jr. (infant), and Bernard Sr. as well as sisters Aurèla, Jeannita, and Aline.
An honorable wife, she left New Brunswick to live with her newly married husband in Halifax in 1954. Edgar’s work as a Longshoreman Freight handler brought them to Nova Scotia. Hermance was an active member of St. Mary’s Cathedral Basilica for over 62 years. A woman of faith, she was a Minister of the Eucharist and for years took communion to the sick. She also prepared the linens for the church and assisted with the annual Christmas fair. She was a member of the Catholic Women’s League and the Children of Mary. She was active in the Atlantic Catholic Charismatic Renewal as well as a leader of the St. Mary’s Prayer Group. The Most Reverend Archbishop Anthony Mancini presented Hermance with the Archdiocese Medal of Merit in recognition of her many years of service to the Archdiocese: Hermance was truly a daughter of Christ.
Hermance and Edgar annually made the pilgrimage to Sainte-Anne-de-Beaupré in Québec with parishioners of St. Mary’s. She had pledged to do this in thanksgiving for having found a home to purchase for her family as well as for the miraculous healing of a heart ailment in 1983.
Her hobbies included writing poetry, sewing, and knitting. She made many sweaters, hats, mittens, socks, and adorable baby clothes for those in need. She played Bingo, Bridge, and Cribbage and enjoyed card games with her grandchildren and children of the neighborhood. She also enjoyed doing word searches and could always be found with a puzzle in progress. Mom could be heard singing as she went about her daily work. As a devoted mother, she loved to attend her sons’ ball games, music concerts, and school plays, as well as her grandchildren’s baseball games, soccer games, and music concerts.
Hermance worked for the Chronicle Herald collecting money for the paper routes of paper carriers. She provided childcare for several families and she was a mother figure for many others besides her own. Mom took in boarders over the years, some eventually becoming family. Her home was open to anyone in need. Hermance was patient and gentle and had a grateful and caring heart. She possessed an uplifting, cheerful spirit and a positive attitude. Her faith made her this way: faith over fear.
Hermance’s recent years were spent at Northwood where she received excellent care and enjoyed many activities for seniors. The Cormier family would like to extend its deepest gratitude and thanks to all the doctors, nurses, and staff of 5th floor Centre, especially those who comforted mom in her final days. A special thanks to Barb, Roger, and Fred. The Cormier family also wishes to extend its deepest gratitude to Father Paul MacIntosh for administering the last rites to Hermance by video link.
Mom made our lives better by being in this world. Her heart never left her beloved province of New Brunswick and the family she still has there. She will be returned home to New Brunswick where she will be laid to rest.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions, a celebration of Hermance’s life will take place at a later date when family members from across the country will be able to attend. Arrangements have been entrusted to T.K. Barnard Funeral Home. Online condolences: www.tkbarnardfuneralhome.ca Interment in Notre-Dame de l’Assomption Cemetery in Pré-d’en-Haut, NB, also at a later date. Donations can be made to the Northwood Foundation.
Mom, your work is done! Go in peace. Je t’aime maman, Granny.
Well done good and faithful servant!
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Hermance Denise Cormier LeBlanc July 13 1932 April 24 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Halifax, Province: Nova Scotia