Lillian LeBlanc, age 90, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, passed away on Friday, November 4, 2016, at Bishop Noa Home in Escanaba, surrounded by family.
She was born September 16, 1926, in Moran, MI, the daughter of Elmer and Hilja (Rahkola) Hill. She attended Rock High School where she was a cheerleader and basketball player. On June 26, 1948, she married Morley Roberts and together they raised their daughter Lynn, in Rock. Morley preceded her in death on December 22, 1960. Lillian was proud to have held several jobs throughout her life. She worked in the Lab for both Abbott Labs, and the Rock Cheese Factory. Additionally, she worked in the War Plant in Detroit making ammo boxes, and worked at the Rock Co-Op as well as in the retail industry. In 1967 she married Alred LeBlanc. They made their home in Scandia and owned and operated “Marquette Tile and Linoleum” for 7 years. After deciding to move back to Rock, she purchased Big Al’s Corner Bar, in Rock, and operated that business for 12 years. Upon retirement, she became a Senior Companion for 10 years until her health declined. She was a charter member of the Rock American Legion Women’s Auxiliary as well as the Rock Township Treasurer. In her spare time, Lillian enjoyed playing cards with her friends. She was an avid fan of both the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Tigers. However, Lillian’s pride and life focus was her family. She spent her time teaching her daughter, grandchildren and great grandchildren important life lessons all while making the learning fun and memorable. She took all of her granddaughters on their first airplane trip to educate them on the world. Learning through travel was important to Lillian, who herself had traveled to 49 out of the 50 states. From a young age, Lillian was a high energy person who loved working hard and enjoyed meeting new people. As a business owner, she changed many lives. Her eagerness to help others and her ability to touch and change the lives of everyone she met was the heart of who Lillian was. Lillian was an extraordinary woman. She devoted her life to her family, service, love and hard work. Lillian will be remembered for her smile, kindness, zest for life, and her willingness to help others.
She is survived by her daughter Lynn Marie, granddaughter Joely (Aaron) Lund, Green Bay, Shasta (Ernest) Oberst, Columbia, SC and Autumn (Erik Pifke) Ahlgren, Bark River. She is also survived by her great grandchildren Skyler and Reese Lund, and Jaden and Landon Oberst. Furthermore, her sister Vienna Laine, cousins, nieces and nephews are also listed among the surviving family.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Morley Roberts and her husband Alred LeBlanc and her sisters, Violet Antilla and Daisy Fulsher.
In accordance with Lillian’s wishes, funeral services will be held at the convenience of her family. Lillian will be laid to rest in the Rock Cemetery. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting with arrangements.