Obituary of Irene C. (Knockwood) LeClair

It is with deep sadness that the family of Irene LeClair announces her passing on Friday, July 25, 2025 at the Fort Folly First Nations Special Care Home. Irene was 87 years old.

Born on May 21, 1938 in Dorchester, NB, she was the daughter of the late Dorothy (Cope) Knockwood and Louis Knockwood.

Following graduation from Business College, Irene joined the Royal Canadian Air Force serving as an administration clerk at RCAF Lachine, PQ and Trenton, ON. Irene met her future husband, Bob at Lachine and they married in Trenton in 1959. She left the Air Force in ’61 to raise her four children who were all born in Trenton from 1961 to 1967.

Fourteen years later, Irene started her 20 year career in banking while moving with Bob to his various postings. Irene was active in softball, bowling and golf. She spent her spare time being a youth softball coach, figure skating, hockey and swimming Mom. Both she and her daughters were in the Girl Guide movement. Irene also enjoyed her crafts, sewing and especially loved having her family and friends over for a meal and laughter. Christmas was her favorite time of the year. It never surprised anyone to hear that she started decorating her home the latter part of October.

Upon her retirement, Irene and Bob flew to Europe and had a great time visiting their son as well as friends who were stationed over there at the time. They also enjoyed their two auto trips across Canada and the U.S. making sure they did drive on Route 66 on their first trip.

Ever proud of her First Nation’s heritage, Irene served her community of Fort Folly as Councillor for a two year term. She was there to assist in their annual celebrations. Irene never forgot her military friends as she attended 9 of 13 reunions which were held in different locations across Canada. She was also co-chair of the RCAF Airwomen’s reunion held in Moncton June 2017. Irene will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

Irene will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Robert (Bob); her children, Cathy (Terry) Henbest, Rob (Nancy) and Dan; her grandchildren, Kaley, Tyler and Liam, as well as by many  extended family and friends.

Besides her parents, Irene was pre-deceased by her daughter, Glenda Milson; her brother, Hugh (Ilene) Knockwood and her sister, Mary (Bob) Andrews.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Erin Campbell and staff of Campbell’s Funeral Home, 89 Bridge Street, Sackville N.B. (506) 364-8188. In keeping with Irene’s wishes, cremation has taken place. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 9 a.m. Thursday, July 31, 2025 at St. Vincent’s Roman Catholic Church in Sackville, NB. Following the burial, a reception for family and friends will take place at Fort Folly First Nations Special Care Home at 10:30 am.

If so desired, donations in memory of Irene may be made to Every Child Matters, the Terry Fox Foundation or to the charity of one’s choice.

On-line condolences and sharing of memories may be forwarded to the family through our website www.campbellsfuneralhome.com or by visiting the funeral home Facebook page.