Madeleine Leduc

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Madeleine Leduc (née Plante), who passed away peacefully on April 14, 2026, reunited at last with the love of her life. Born on January 8, 1940, she was the beloved daughter of the late Alcide Plante and Françoise Beaudry, and the proud eldest of 12 siblings.

She will be dearly missed by her siblings Raymonde Gerow, Claudette Hillman (Paul), Norm Plante (Marie, predeceased), O’nil Plante, Guy Plante (Wendy, predeceased), Lise Vale (Larry), and André Plante (Heather). She was predeceased by her siblings Raynald Plante (Maureen), Richard Plante (Kim), René Plante, and Connie Heise (Dale). She will also be fondly remembered by her many nieces and nephews.

Madeleine’s greatest joy was her beautiful love story with her husband, Raymond Leduc, who predeceased her. He was a jokester who once sold his car to buy her engagement ring—though he always claimed he found it in a Cracker Jack box. Their love was deep, enduring, and the foundation of the family they built together. She is now reunited with Raymond and their beloved dog, Tippy, after 30 years apart.

Together, they raised a loving family: Suzanne Leduc, Robert Leduc (Jackie), and Lorraine Leduc (predeceased son-in-law Art). She was a proud and devoted Memere to her grandchildren April (Jimmy), André, Aimee, Chris, Cody (Ashley), Annissa, Anthony, Dan, Kayla, Stephane, Megan (Jake), and Chantal, and cherished her great-grandchildren Emmerson, Preston, Nathan, Aurora, Atlas, Rylee, Skye, Lillie, Léo, Dre, Shyanne, and Janessa, along with her beloved fur great-grandbabies.

As the eldest of 12, Madeleine was a natural caregiver. Known lovingly as “Memere,” it became more than a nickname—it was her persona, her presence. Like a title carried with pride, everyone who knew her simply knew her as Memere. She welcomed all with open arms, always ready to feed, to give, and to love without measure.

She expressed that love through cooking and baking. She worked as a head dietary aide at Extendicare York, where she took great pride in preparing meals for residents. Later in life, while living in a retirement home, she didn’t hesitate to offer her honest critiques of the food—with her signature humour.

Memere was known as the best cook—her honey dip donuts, coconut cream pie, butter tarts, and chicken pot pie were simply unmatched. Her secret ingredient was always the same: tender love and care.

She loved life deeply. Whether playing pishnut or crib, fishing in the afternoon and somehow always catching something, singing and dancing to Elvis, or baking with anyone willing to join her, she found joy in the simple moments. She was a wonderful listener, a trusted confidante, and always there with a helping hand or a warm hug.

In her later years, she found comfort and companionship at Hillside Park Retirement Residence, where she formed special friendships with Dennis, Carole, and Adele. The family extends heartfelt thanks to the staff and nurses for their kindness, care, and friendship.

In keeping with her wishes, no formal service will be held, and cremation has taken place. Madeleine would want to be remembered not with sadness, but with love. In her honour, spend time with the people you cherish. Bake together, play a game, watch a sunrise or sunset, or cast a fishing line. And most of all, raise a glass of ginger ale and think of her.

Memere will be forever loved, deeply missed, and never forgotten. ❤️

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