Elma Theresa Boe’ LeBlanc left this earth and peacefully moved to Heaven on Thursday, January 20, 2011 at the age of 85. We will all miss her warm, beautiful smile and cheerful heart that she maintained in spite of the many physical challenges that she lived with for more than half of her life.

Her courageous, faith-filled walk through countless, on-going difficulties was an inspiration to everyone who had the privilege of meeting her. We rejoice that she is dancing again in her new Heavenly body with all of her loved ones that have gone before her.

A very endearing and special woman, “MawMaw,” as many affectionately called her, was born in Mt. Airy, Louisiana, the fifth of eight children of Euphemie & Raoul Boe’. Quite the catch among her peers, she was married to Norman Joseph LeBlanc on September 1, 1947. Before long they welcomed their six children into the world while living in Louisiana. In 1967, they moved to Missouri, and in 1981 retired to Phoenix to be closer to their children and grandchildren.

Gracious and fruitful, Elma was the beloved matriarch of 19 grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and countless others who claimed her as their own.

Elma is survived by her six children: Cherie Phelan, Norman LeBlanc Jr., Philip LeBlanc, Susanne Pearson, Charlie LeBlanc, Tommy LeBlanc, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and two siblings in Louisiana, Ray A. Boe’ and Jeanne Boe’ Keller.

She has been welcomed in Heaven by her husband Norman, grandson Beau, her parents and five siblings: Raoul (Bobby), Martha, Caire, Alvin and Elizabeth (Toot).

Elma served the Lord faithfully through prayer and involvement in her church and senior care group at Sovereign Grace Church in Gilbert, Arizona.