Debbie LECLAIR

Debbie LeClair (nee Sangala) passed away, with family members by her side, at Elk Valley Hospital July 10, 2024.

A true local, Debbie was born and raised in Fernie and grew up in the Annex on the same block her maternal grandparents, Mona and William Cole, had settled on decades prior. Later, she and husband Frank LeClair bought the empty lot between Debbie’s parents’, Mary and John Sangala's, house and her Grandparents’ house. Here Frank built the family home where they raised their two children, Crystal and Kirk.

Debbie loved her home and took a lot of pride in maintaining and decorating it and extended the same level of care and attention to her children. Innately nurturing, Debbie was always cooking and offering drinks and snacks whenever friends gathered at the family home, and she continued to take great joy in socializing and hosting dinners into her later years. When her kids were high-school aged Debbie owned and operated local daycare “Fun Times” which she ran until her early retirement, at which time she filled her days caring for her elderly parents.

More recently, Debbie could be seen walking daily - rain or shine - with her beloved dog, Hailey. She enjoyed making short trips to St. Eugene, Montana, and Lethbridge with her partner, Earl Ensign, and visiting Crystal and her husband Kobie Freeman on their Alberta acreage.

Debbie will be remembered for her generous nature and penchant for spoiling those around her. In the words of her daughter “she was more than a mom; she was my best friend.” Having lived her life in dedication to caring for others, Debbie’s heart would be full knowing that her love and affection was so powerful that its impact surpassed family bonds into the choice of friendship.

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