Claire Anna (LeBlanc) Gillis

We are heartbroken to share that our mother, Anna Claire Gillis (LeBlanc), passed away peacefully on September 2, 2025. Born in Alder Point on January 6, 1948, to the late Carl and Anna (Jessome) LeBlanc, Claire went to the arms of her mother from the hands of her children. She will be eternally loved and deeply missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her partner, John Buffett; her children, Jacqueline (Dan), Tommy, John (Karen), and Donald; and her cherished grandchildren, who were the light of her life, Travis (Amelia), Cole (Kaitlyn), and Kaylee (Brydon). She will also be forever missed by her siblings: Carl (Judy), Austin, Gail (Tom), Murray, Arlene (Albert), Maureen (Jeff), Joanne (Conrad), and Sharon (Sean), along with many nieces and nephews who loved her dearly.

Besides her parents, Claire was predeceased by her sisters-in-law Lois (Austin) and Regis (Murray), her stepson Russell, and her daughter-in-law Tania. She will also be deeply missed by her lifelong best friend, Gail (John) Parsons.

Our mother was a private, proud, and strong woman who passed those same values on to her children. Her strength gave her the courage and determination to advocate for the person to whom she dedicated her life—her son, Tom. At a very young age, Tommy suffered a life-altering accident, and through her endless love and devotion, he has gone on to live a full and blessed life.

Claire described herself in childhood as a tomboy, always striving to keep up with her two older brothers. This spirited nature sparked a lifelong love of sports. She was a devoted Toronto Maple Leafs fan and, in her early thirties, discovered her passion for curling. During the 1980s and 1990s, she curled out of clubs in North Sydney and Sydney, traveling across the province to compete. Claire’s absence will be especially felt at the family cabin, where she spent her happiest and most peaceful summer days.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the Cape Breton Palliative Care Team for their support during Claire’s illness. A special thank you goes to Dr. Anne Frances D’Intino and the staff at Hospice Cape Breton for their compassion and care during her final weeks.

"Our mother taught us everything, except how to live without her."

A Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at JM Jobes Funeral Home, Main Street, Sydney Mines, from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Interment will follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Bras d’Or. A reception and luncheon will be held afterward at St. Joseph’s Parish Hall. All who knew Claire are warmly invited to join the family in sharing memories and stories.

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