January 4, 1936 – February 11th, 2025

Rita Anne LeBlanc (Garland)

In the early hours of Tuesday, February 11th, our beloved Anne passed away.  She was the daughter of LeBaron and Rita LeBlanc and the younger sister of LeBaron LeBlanc (deceased) and Hugh LeBlanc (deceased). 

Anne, an adored teacher, taught at St. Monica Elementary School in NDG and Villa Maria High School. She enjoyed being a teacher and stayed in touch with many of her students over the years.

Anne met the love of her life, Bruce, at Teacher’s College in 1958. And despite Bruce being very shy, they were soon inseparable. Bruce Garland and Anne LeBlanc married on October 1st, 1960 at St. Augustine of Canterbury Catholic Church in Montreal. Anne is the mother of Debbie Szemenyei (Peter Szemenyei) and Brian William Garland (Sharon Thielicke) and the grandmother of Steven Szemenyei (Brianna), Scott Szemenyei (Sydney) Michael Szemenyei, Carson Garland and Saylor Garland.

Upon retirement, Bruce and Anne moved to Lac Marois where they built their retirement home.  Anne loved living in the Laurentians.  Anne (Nanny to all the grandkids) enjoyed the country life and having gatherings with friends and family on her screen porch.  She loved to cook and entertain. Anne also loved her trips to the beach - summers with friends in Old Orchard Beach Maine and with family in Cape Cod and Florida. Over the years, Anne was very involved with her grandchildren - playing board games and knitting numerous pairs of socks. She was always up for an adventure (Harlem Globetrotters, travel, Montreal Canadiens).  She loved watching men’s tennis.  Her laughter and excitement were contagious and her love for life infectious! She never missed giving a hug or leaving a mark with her signature red lipstick.  Anne will be dearly missed by friends and family alike.

Anne was a dedicated volunteer and supporter of Loyola High School for many years and for over 30 years at St. Mary’s Hospital where she served as the Auxiliary President.  Anne and Bruce were awarded the Governor General’s Medal for Volunteerism in 2012 for their commitment to promoting learning and for their many years as volunteers with St. Mary’s Hospital in Montreal.

Affectionately known as ‘Annie’, she is survived by Bruce Garland, children Debbie Szemenyei and Brian Garland, and many grandchildren, nieces and nephews. 

Family and friends are invited to the viewing on Saturday, February 22nd at 12 noon followed by a funeral mass at 1:00 pm at St. Monica’s Parish, 6405 de Terrebonne, Montreal, Quebec.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation.  Anne volunteered with St. Mary’s for many years and served on their board.  Support St. Mary’s