Anna Lachance (nee: Leclerc)

On December 20, 2022, Anna Lachance (nee Leclerc), our mother passed away at the Portage District General Hospital at the age of 85 years young.  We are sure that Gerald (her son) and Ginger (her dog) greeted her at Heaven’s Gate.

Mom is survived by her seven children:  Phil (Shelley), Susan (Dave), Jacky, Ernest, Joyce, Diane and Carmel (Dave).  17 Grandchildren:  Jenna (Chad), Jade (Blake), Amber (Brad), Stephen, James, Derek (Ashley), Scott, Curtis (Aimee), Jason (Jen), Ted (Rhonda), Krystle, Benjamin, Justin (Nicole), Dean (Tamara), Lisa (Chad), Brady (Kaytlyn) and Jessica (Noah).  22 Great Grandchildren: Logan, Bryant, Charlotte, Wyatt, Emma, Micah, Greyson, Noah, Syliss, Dexter, Tiernan, Taylor, Tyson, Mack, Miller, Zoie, Xander, Logan, Cecilia, Hannah, Charlie, Deegan.  Four sisters: Ella Ness, Florence Leclerc, Juliette Painchaud and Irene Lachance and many nieces and nephews.

Mom worked hard all her life and was a strong woman.  She would never admit that she was not feeling well even up to her last moments on this earth.  In her younger days, with the help of her children, Mom grew a large vegetable garden and canned everything (that could be canned).  Then later in life when she couldn’t manage a vegetable garden anymore, she enjoyed planting and tending to her flowers.  Mom loved hummingbirds and would ensure that she put out the hummingbird feeders every summer and then spend hours on the deck waiting for them to come around.

Mom was also a great cook and baker and enjoyed teaching these to her daughters.  She loved to sew beautiful clothes for her children when they were young.  She was also in a quilting club and made a beautiful quilt.  She loved to knit beautiful sweaters, blankets, and baby clothes for her grandchildren.  We are grateful for these creations and cherish them to this day.  Approximately 10-15 years ago, Mom volunteered with the Young at Heart Club.  One year, this club offered painting classes and Mom was surprised that she enjoyed painting so much.

Mom also enjoyed hunting.  We remember one time she went hunting with Dad, Uncle Wilfred and Aunty Henriette.  Dad and Uncle asked Mom and Aunty to “push the bush” so that the deer would go towards Dad and Uncle so they could shoot them.  Well Mom and Aunty were talking and laughing so much that when they returned to the location where Dad and Uncle were, they were annoyed at Mom and Aunty cause they were making so much noise that they “scared” the deer away.  Mom enjoyed telling this story over and over again.

In 1984, after all but two children had grown and had moved away from home, mom worked for 20 years as an Educational Assistant (EA), then as half time EA and half time Librarian at École St. Eustache.  Mom loved working with the students and seeing the fruits of her labour come to fruition.  She believed that every child mattered and deserved a great education.

Mom also enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and sharing stories with them.  She loved camping and when her son, Ernie, got a seasonal spot at Steep Rock Beach Park, she would love to spend weekends and/or a couple of weeks at a time at the lake.  She loved driving around the campground on Ernie’s golf cart and in the evenings sitting around the fire reminiscing.

Mom will be greatly missed by her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, sisters, in-laws and nieces and nephews. She will also be missed by her dear friends: Louise Beaudin, Doris Fanzega, and
Doris Lavallee. She loved playing cards, chatting and laughing with these dear friends.

Mom this is not good-bye but till we meet again!  We will always love you forever and always.

There will be no funeral. The immediate family will have a private interment at a later date.

Family and friends are invited to share memories and condolences on Anna’s memorial page by using the comment field below.

Please note: there is a delay between when a comment is submitted and when it appears on the memorial page.

9 thoughts on “Anna Lachance (nee: Leclerc)

  1. Doris and Roy Fanzega

    Our deepest sympathy to the Lachance children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Roy and I are so glad we got to spend part of the afternoon with Anna on her last day with us.
    She was a beautiful person inside and out. She will be missed by many.
    Rest in Peace dear friend

  2. Arif Alasgarov

    I really impressed by reading her life story. Growing and educating 7 children itself is great achievement in this life. Being active and positive is the great message i learnt from this wonderful life story.
    I am so sorry for your lost.

  3. Gisèle (Klaassen)

    Matante Anna . . . A special lady that’s for sure! Hard worker, great cook/baker, sense of humour, loving. A real gem. She will be missed. David & I send condolences & hugs to the entire family.

  4. Ora Dunbar

    Sending prayers and condolences to all. So sorry for your loss.

  5. Rosemarie Schmidt

    Matante was a great lady…always laughing and happy…that’s how I will remember her…
    Her laughter was magic to the ear…it made you smile no matter what your mood was..
    She was not only my MATANTE…she’s MY FRIEND….AND..she will be greatly missed💞😥💞

  6. Lucille Souque

    Our deepest condolences to all the family. Growing up I spent a lot of time at Auntie Anna’s with Sue and the girls. She treated me like one of her own kids. She was a very strong lady. I will always have a place in my heart for her.
    Love always
    Lucille and Louis

  7. Christa Vann Mitchell

    Our hearts go out to Anna s family. Hugs and kisses to you all. Anna was my absolute favourite EA teacher at Ecole st Eustache. I found her again later on in life when I hung out with Ernie and Diane. She was always cooking or baking in the kitchen. She always had time to sit down and have a coffee with all us. She also kept us in line! She was such a beautiful, strong woman, one who was so easily to admire. You were always so welcoming and treated us like one of the family. We loved you! Rest in peace. Love Christa and Scott Mitchell

  8. Karen Homuth

    Amazing job retelling Matante’s story and capturing her beautiful soul. Thank you💕 Prayers and hugs for the family and friends.

  9. Andy Girard

    My deepest sympathies to your family in this difficult time. She was a terrific lady.

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