Obituary of Rita (Ellias) LeBlanc

Rita (Ellias) LeBlanc, 82, of Peabody, died at NSMC Salem Hospital on Friday, March 2, 2012. Rita was born in New Bedford on July 28, 1929 daughter of Shago and Xhikeme (Pashun) Ellias. She was raised and educated in Peabody graduating from Peabody High School class of 1947 and was a lifelong resident of the city. Mrs. LeBlanc was employed for many years as a bookkeeper at the Salem Country Club in Peabody. Prior to that she was employed as a clerk at the Helburn Thompson Leather Company in Salem. She married Raymond LeBlanc, a WWII veteran in 1953. They shared 45 years of marriage raising their family in Peabody. Rita was a loving mother who devoted her life to creating a life for her family with her husband Raymond. Later she was so proud of her 6 grandchildren and their accomplishments. She loved dancing and became friends with many who will remember her generosity and infectious laughter. Later in life she enjoyed traveling with family and friends, she also enjoyed listening to music and the sport of winning money by any means or ways. Rita was the last member of the Ellias family from Albania and is survived by her children and their spouses, David LeBlanc and Catherine Wells of Portland, OR, Gail and Michael DeNisco of Peabody, June and Gregory Hites of Cambridge, Richard and Kathleen LeBlanc of Longmont, CO; her grandchildren, Joseph DeNisco and Cara his wife, April Brandt and Nick her husband, Ethan and Morgan Hites, Evan and Avery LeBlanc, many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her husband Raymond, her siblings Helen Hodo, Jackie Ellias and James Ellias. Her funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 8, 2012 at 12 p.m. in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St., Peabody. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Visiting hours are Wednesday, March 7, 2012 from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial in Cedar Grove Cemetery, Peabody. Please visit www.ccbfuneral.com for directions, online obituary and memorial guest book.