COLLEEN MARIE LECLERC

It is with profound sadness that we mourn the sudden passing of Colleen.

Colleen was a kind generous soul. She will be forever missed by her loving husband of 40 years, Rick; her sister Rose Ann, brothers Kevin (Sharron) and Michael (Christine), step-brother Richard (Alisa), and brothers-in-law Roger (Sharon) and Darren (Ramone). Also left to cherish her memory are her nieces, nephews, extended family and friends of which she had many.

Born in Winnipeg, Colleen was the second of four children.  It was in Winnipeg and Shilo, Manitoba that she would spend most of her formative years developing friendships that would last her entire life. Colleen was the good one. She was quiet, thoughtful, and level headed. In 1974, at the young age of fifteen, it was her level headedness that saved her youngest brothers life—a trait that would serve her well throughout her life. 

It would serve to follow that Colleen’s first job would be as a life guard and continuing on this path, she worked as a swim instructor for the City of Winnipeg for several years. In 1976, after graduating from Nelson McIntyre Collegiate, she also began her career with the Canadian Wheat Board. Colleen loved her job and it was there that she added more lifelong friends to her collection.  She remained at the CWB until her retirement in 2013.

It was in the spring of 1980, while on a bus trip en route to a Minnesota Who concert, that Colleen’s most significant friendship would begin. It was there that she met the love of her life, Rick. Their shared love of music and concert going led to several more concert encounters—their love of music and of each other growing—and so by the spring of ‘84 Colleen and Rick were married and by the 90’s they had settled into their long-term Riverbend home.

Together, Colleen and Rick would attend a multitude of concerts, traveling far and wide to see their favourite bands and in time traveling in itself would also become a shared passion. Winning an East Coast vacation that led them to P.E.I. and Nova Scotia was a memorable experience, but in recent years, Colleen would often reminisce about their travels to Europe—Gimmelwald, a small village in the Swiss Alps, a favourite. She was thankful that they’d made the trip to Europe, twice—including a birthday celebration at Euro Disney where, safe to say, shopping for Disney figurines was on the agenda. With Colleen’s want to drive, and both loving the freedom of the road, they’d set out on road trips, from coast to coast to coast, stopping to visit relatives in Vancouver or en route to or from Disneyland, Disneyworld or Las Vegas. Lady Luck was not always kind but the entertainment was worth the trip. Together, they always had fun, and for a brief period, Vegas felt like a second home.  

Colleen’s love for her family and friends was endless. She never missed sending a gift for every wedding or baby shower—attending whenever she was able. This included socials where, in an effort to support the couple, she would purchase loads of silent auction tickets and of course, generally win more than one prize. Birthdays, never forgotten, were always celebrated. She would go out of her way to find the perfect gift, remembering or making note of wants or needs mentioned throughout the year. Without fail, extra secret Santa gifts found their way under the tree—Colleen’s way of assuring everyone found something they wanted to bring home.  It was part of her attempt to make all holiday celebrations extra special, especially for the children in her life. She was caring, supportive, and generous, and she especially loved sharing her shopping bargains with everyone. If you are one of the fortunate ones, I offer just one word in hope of bringing a smile to your face—Norwex.

Colleen always loved swimming.  After her retirement, she began swimming on a weekly basis with her mother and sister, each keeping the others on track with the added reward of a stop at the White Spot for lunch on the way home.  Prior to her mother’s passing, the three of them could also be found dabbing at a Bingo Hall or Casino.  Not only was Colleen “the good one” she was also the lucky one. And though she was a private person, not wanting to toot her own horn, let it be known that she won more than her fair share, which she in turn, shared with others.

In recent years, when her health made travel difficult, Colleen encouraged Rick to venture off on his own to concerts and travel destinations. Colleen, content in their new condo, was always at the ready for his call, to share in the adventure. She was ever-loving and thoughtful to the end.

Colleen was predeceased by her mother Marion, father Joseph, and Step-father Dick. 

A Celebration of Colleen’s Life will be held from 1:00pm - 3:00pm on Monday, November 25, 2024 at the Norwood Community Center, 87 Walmer Street. 

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Siloam Mission or Manitoba Harvest.

The family kindly invites friends and relatives to share their memories of Colleen using the comment section on this page.

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ETHICAL DEATH CARE

Cremation & Life Celebrations

530 St. Mary Avenue - Winnipeg

204-421-5501 - www.ethicaldeathcare.com

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