Delphine E. LeBlanc

Waltham – Mrs. Delphine E. (Richard) LeBlanc of Waltham died Wednesday, April 2, 2014, in The Leland Home in Waltham. She was 96. Mrs. LeBlanc was born in Memramcook, New Brunswick, Canada on January 9, 1918, a daughter of the late Fred and Delina (Cormier) Richard.

Delphine had lived in Waltham since 1960, and was a stitcher for the Aro Manufacturing Company in West Newton until her retirement.

She was the wife of the late Eugene A. LeBlanc and the sister of the late Bella LeBlanc, Alphonsine McLurin, Jennine Saulnier, and Frank, Thomas, Leo, Laurie, Hector, and Clarence Richard.

She is survived by her children, Gladys Boudreau and her husband, Roland, of Waltham, Donald LeBlanc and his wife, Claire, of Oxford, Frank LeBlanc and his wife, Patricia, of Rochester NH, Betty Ann Boucher and her husband, Paul, of Shediac Bridge NB, Paul LeBlanc and his wife, Pat, of Manchester NH, Reggie LeBlanc and his wife, Donna, of Freemont NH, and Doug LeBlanc and his wife, Janice, of Billerica; sixteen grandchildren, thirty great grandchildren, one great great grandchild, and many nieces and nephews.

Delphine was a wonderful cook and baker and Saturday mornings in her kitchen was a gathering place for many, a time when her fresh bread and rolls would come out of the oven. A family cookbook of her recipes through the years was a big hit in recent years and much sought after. She was a talented seamstress. She seemed to know every possible household hint and trick. But what most characterized her was her incredible generosity of both possessions and spirit. With her husband Gene, she took in children in need, feed those who were hungry, consoled those who were suffering. A large number of people not born to her considered her "mom" or "nana" nevertheless. She loved people – none more than her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild – and delighted in making new friends, a gift that never left her.

She saw considerable suffering in her 96 years, living through the hard times of the Depression, loss of loved ones and especially the illness of death of her husband Gene, and a lot of years of plain hard work, but she drew strength and resiliency from her family, from her faith, and from her sparkling sense of humor. One of her greatest gifts was the ability to laugh at herself.

Family and friends will honor and remember Delphine's life by gathering for calling hours on Friday, April 4th, from 4-8 pm in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street, Waltham, and again at 9 am on Saturday before leaving in procession to Saint Mary's Church, 133 School Street, Waltham, where her Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 am. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.