Glorine Marguerite LeBlanc, 84, was born to Richard and Wilma Hielscher on June 16, 1929, in Iliff, Colorado. She went home to be with Jesus on May 21, 2014, in Ft. Collins, Colorado.
Glorine grew up in rural northeastern Colorado, where her family farmed. She attended Northeastern Junior College before marrying and settling in Sterling, Colorado, to raise her family. She was a strong and motivated professional woman long before "working mothers" were the norm. She held several jobs throughout her career, but the one of which she was most proud was Director of the Sterling Housing Authority, where she oversaw senior and low-income housing for several hundred residents. Upon retirement in 1999, she moved to Ft. Collins, Colorado, to be near her daughter and grandchildren.
Glorine enjoyed spending time with her family, reading, music, and participating in church activities. She taught Sunday School for over 40 years and loved to have young people in her home. She was completely devoted to her family, and when her children were growing up, her house was a hub of activity. Many of the neighborhood kids considered her a second mother. Her grandchildren were her absolute delight, and she was thrilled when she became a great grandmother. She taught us all what it means to be a family by patiently caring for her parents when they were elderly and ill. Glorine also loved to bake and created scrumptious desserts without a recipe. Whenever her grandchildren went to visit her, she would greet them at the door with warm homemade bread, fresh out of the oven, and promises of great adventures while they were with her. She loved music and often sang as she worked around the house. Even when her mind was betraying her, she remembered the words to the old hymns she had sung her entire life. Those who knew and loved Glorine will remember her independent spirit, her beautiful smile, and her generosity. We'll remember her mischievous streak that lead to practical jokes. She faced adversity with grit and determination and did not waiver in her convictions, believing that with hard work, persistence, and faith in God, one could accomplish anything.
Glorine was preceded in death by her father, Richard Hielscher, her mother, Wilma Hielscher, three brothers, Clayton, Earl, and Richard, and son-in-law, Lanny Conrad. She leaves behind her daughter, Colleen Conrad, and her son, Merritt (wife Jacque), as well as six grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
Glorine's family is deeply grateful to the nurses and care providers at Lemay Avenue Health and Rehab who loved and cared for her during the years of her illness. The tender care she received will always be remembered.
A private memorial service will be held on Sunday, May 25.