Monday July 22, 2019, Yollanda LeClair, 91, passed away peacefully at the Dr. Georges-L. Dumont UHC. She was surrounded by people she loved. Born in Cocagne, she was the daughter of the late Alban and Adèle (Breau) Cormier. She lived most of her life in the Moncton area.
She is survived by her daughters and their spouses: Patricia & Alan Cunningham and Claudette and Joël Landry. She was especially proud of her grandchildren: Mireya Cunningham (Darren Higgs), Marc Cunningham (Jolene Murray), and Julie Landry. She loved being with her great-granddaughters: Izabella, Olivia and Khloée. Her life was enriched by the love of Father Aduel Joachin, Mark LeBlanc, and Tom Fagan whom she chose to consider her sons.
She is also survived by her brother, Henri "Hank" and her sister, Dina, as well as her sisters-in-law: Arlene Cormier and Rena LeClair, and brother-in-law, Raymond LeClair and his wife, Cathy. Yollanda will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and her many friends.
She was greatly saddened by the death of her husband, François "Frank" in 2013. Yollanda also grieved the loss of their infant daughter, Paulette and their grandson, David (2001). Besides her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings: Yvon, Dorilla Daley Black, Zella O’Dell, Emery "Tim", and Antoine "Tony". She also mourned the loss of Frank’s parents, sisters, and brothers.
Yollanda and Frank were married in 1947. They were devoted to each other and to their family. With him, she provided a loving home filled with joy and laughter, where all who entered there were warmly welcomed. They also shared many happy moments driving along the coast, travelling with family, becoming silver level ballroom dancers, and participating in skating events with the Bicentennial Skating Club.
Yollanda developed a deep knowledge of Acadian history and became an expert in genealogy. She traced the roots of many families and shared her expertise with all who showed an interest. She also made connections with other genealogists in Canada and the USA.
The family will receive condolences at Frenette Funeral Centre, 88 Church Street, Moncton (858-1900) on Friday from 2 to 4 p.m., and on Saturday morning from 9 am until time of departure. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Our Lady of Assumption Cathedral, 220 St. George Street, Moncton, on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at 10 am. A reception at the Frenette Funeral Centre will be held after the mass. Interment will be in Our Lady of Calvary Cemetery, Dieppe.
In memory of Yollanda, a contribution to Father Aduel Joachin for the people of Haiti or to a local charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Frenette Funeral and Cremation Centre, Moncton (858-1900).
www.frenettefuneralhome.com
