Sr. Marilyn Louise LeBlanc
Sister Marilyn Louise LeBlanc was born on August 2, 1936, in Prince Albert, Saskatchewan, the third child in her family. She grew up surrounded by the energy and laughter of her older brothers Maurice and Roland, and later helped care for her younger sister Roseanne. These early experiences shaped her into the determined, compassionate, and quietly courageous woman so many came to know and love.
She received her early education in Regina at Holy Rosary School and Sacred Heart Academy. A shy child, Marilyn preferred working behind the scenes, helping with costumes in the school drama club rather than standing on stage. Even in her youth, she showed a gift for careful organization and an instinct for humble service.
In 1955, Marilyn entered the novitiate of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions and made her vows on July 26, 1957. She trained as a teacher at Brandon College and later earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba. Her vocation led her to teach for twelve years in various communities such as Elie and Brandon in Manitoba, and Wolseley in Saskatchewan, where she was known as a natural and gifted educator, gentle yet firm, always present to her students, and deeply passionate about the power of learning.
In 1970, she was missioned to Peru, where she fell in love with the people and culture. After studying Spanish, she served in education at a private school in the port city of Ilo and at a local orphanage. She also offered pastoral ministry in rural areas and the mountainous region of Candarave.
She served joyfully, offering Sunday prayer services, training catechists, supporting social outreach, and walking closely with the people in their daily lives. Her love for Peru ran so deep that she once considered applying for citizenship. However, her health brought her back to Canada in 2000.
Even then, her zeal for mission did not rest. Upon returning to Regina, Sister Marilyn embraced new ways of serving. She provided leadership and care for elderly and ill Sisters, supported family members with her loving presence, and welcomed young international Sisters who arrived in Canada to learn English – many of them from the province of Vietnam.
These young Sisters were far from home, but Marilyn made sure they never felt alone. She created a warm and nurturing space, not only teaching English but helping them adjust to a new culture, offering companionship, guidance, and motherly care.
Even when she was tired, Sister Marilyn could not resist the call to teach and encourage. Her classroom was sometimes the dining room table, sometimes a quiet corner of the living room, or even a Zoom screen, but always a place filled with kindness, patience, and joy. Her love of learning and her deep sense of mission continued to shine through her actions, right to the end.
When it came to relaxing and sharing joy, Marilyn was a devoted fan of the Saskatchewan Roughriders, often cheering on her favourite team with enthusiasm. It was one of the simple pleasures that brightened her days.
Her love for people extended beyond her teaching and mission work. While living at Santa Maria Senior Home, Marilyn devoted herself to caring for the residents. She joyfully participated in Mass, greeted each person with kindness, and offered comfort and friendship to all. Her gentle presence was a blessing to many.
Sister Marilyn was a woman of deep Christian faith, unwavering dedication, and a wide heart to welcome the world. She was a generous soul, a wise teacher, and a loving sister in every way.
Her legacy will live on in the people she touched in Peru, in Canada, and in the many International Sisters she quietly supported, encouraging them to feel confident, stay motivated, and continue their mission with joy wherever they might be sent. She gave everything she had, and even more, always with grace and joy.