Bertha E. (Hibbard) LeBlanc

North Brookfield - Bertha E. (Hibbard) LeBlanc, 101, of North Brookfield died on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at Quaboag Rehabilitation and Skilled Care Center.

She leaves her sons, Robert T. Evans of Linden, NJ, and Steven M. Regula of Cromwell, CT; her nine grandchildren; her five great-grandchildren; three great-great grandchildren; her sisters, Rachel L. Savoy of Wilbraham and Grace Hadlock of Ware as well as many nieces and nephews. She was predecased by her daughter, Carol Willard,  her son, James Evans, and her siblings, Richard Hibbard, Everett Hibbard, Bertram Hibbard, Jr., Eleanor Roche, Alice Mercure and Florence Goulant.   She was born in Ware, daughter of the late Bertram and Lila (Sibley) Hibbard. 

Bertha was a devoted mother, sister, aunt and friend. She had an inspiring never quit positive attitude and cherished her independence including 32 years at Hillside Meadows Apartments in North Brookfield beginning at age 69.  She loved going to Walmart, Hannaford’s, Charlie’s, Howard’s and Klem’s. She drove her car well into her 90s before getting pulled over at the Ware intersection near the old movie theater. Upon seeing the date of birth on Bertha’s  license, the officer referred her for an age-related driving test.  She refused to give up and practiced for several weeks before taking the driving test in Southbridge. Though she didn’t pass, she gave it one heck of a try, and maintained that her failure was solely due to age bias.  She made delicious apple pies which caused her children to plead with her to never mess with the recipe. She always had a good meal on the table for her family. Her hobbies included crossword puzzles, feeding the birds, watching the Red Sox and listening to polka music. She enjoyed simple values instilled in her in the 1920s and 30s on the family farm in  New Braintree where she lived with her mother, father, and 8 siblings, and helped milk the cows and tend to other chores. She attended school in a one room schoolhouse.  Though primarily a homemaker, Bertha also worked for many years at Wright’s and the former Belchertown State School.

A Graveside Service for Bertha will be held at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Hospice of Western Massachusetts, 1325 Springfield St., Suite 12, Feeding Hills, MA 01030.

Varnum Funeral Home, Inc., 43 East Main St., in W. Brookfield is assisting her family with arrangements. 

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