WILBRAHAM – Remembered for her thoughtfulness, encouragement to others, and the love for her family, Muriel A. LeBlanc (78) passed away Thursday, July 7, 2016 in Wilbraham surrounded by her family. Muriel was deeply committed to her family and her Savior the Lord Jesus Christ. She was an active member of Bethlehem Church in Hampden where she served as a Life Group host. She had the gift of hospitality and enjoyed hosting family and friends in her home. Muriel’s generosity and kindness were returned ten-fold over the past year when her health began to decline with a tremendous outpouring of love and support from those whose life she impacted.
Muriel was born in Waltham on January 13, 1938 and she was the daughter of the late Americo and Josephine (Lupo) Gallinaro. She graduated from Waltham High School and received her Bachelor’s Degree from The University of Massachusetts in Amherst in 1959. She and her late husband and love of her life, Leo Charles LeBlanc, also from Waltham, started their family in Waltham before moving to Westfield in 1966 and then Wilbraham in 2001. Muriel was a second grade teacher in Waltham and a preschool teacher in Westfield.
Her beloved husband Leo, of 46 years, passed away June 18, 2006. She is survived by her caring children Lori Cooney and her husband Thomas of Wilbraham, Andrew LeBlanc and Karen Pellan of Westfield, Robert LeBlanc and his wife Julianne of Manchester CT, and Douglas LeBlanc and his wife Consuelo of Agawam; 7 grandchildren Ryan, Brendan, Sean, Justin, Joshua, Sarah, and Benjamin. Besides her parents and husband, she is also predeceased by her brother Paul Gallinaro.
Visiting hours will be Sunday, July 10th from 3:00-6:00pm at Bethlehem Church on 123 Allen Street in Hampden. A Celebration of Muriel’s Life will take place on Monday, July 11, 2016 at 10:00am at the church and burial will be private and at the family’s convenience. Flowers are to be delivered directly to Bethlehem Church. Forastiere Smith Funeral & Cremation has been entrusted with the arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Muriel’s memory to Hope for Kids (548 Main St., Hampden, MA 01036) or Pioneer Valley Christian Academy (965 Plumtree Road, Springfield, MA 01119). Please visit www.forastiere.com for more information and to share a memory.
