Brigitte Marguerite Leard
December 21, 1933 - November 12, 2009
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Brigitte Marguerite Leard
December 21, 1933 - November 12, 2009
Obituary
Leard, Brigitte M., 75 years young, passed away on November 12, 2009. Born December 21, 1933 in Paris, France, of a French mother and an American father. Raised in war-torn Paris, she was the oldest of six children. Brigitte attended Catholic parochial school as a young girl. She moved to Southern California in 1955, married in 1955 and lived in Huntington Beach for 46 years. Surf City was her home. She loved raising her family, entertaining, cooking and gardening. She placed little value on material wealth, but instead, devoted herself to the living, especially those struggling under the weight of difficult challenges.
She leaves behind a son, Edwin Jr. of Laguna Hills, and three daughters, Genevieve Gigi of Aliso Viejo, Martine of Laguna Niguel, and Dominique of Aguanga, CA. She is also survived by 10 grandchildren and one great-grandson.
Catholic Mass at St. Bonaventure, in Huntington Beach on Thursday, November 19, 2009 at 10AM, followed by burial at Good Shepherd Cemetery in Huntington Beach.
18 responses to Brigitte Marguerite Leard
Bernie Mock says:
November 18, 2009
The Leard Family and Especially my good childhood friend ED,
You truly have my deepest condolences. Your mother was awesome! She was one of the kindest people I know. Growing up it was always a pleasure to go to your home and see your Mom.
Now that I am older and wiser and we all have kids of our own I can look back and recognize just how much she loved and cared for you. She was always worried about you in whatever you were doing.
I spoke to her after you had left for the military and she expressed how proud of you she was but also how she was having problems sleeping as she was so worried about you.
Your Mom has a very pleasing way about her, meaning that one never felt uncomfortable at all around her, her kindness would always shine through and she would always have a smile on her face
She loved you and your sisters and did a fine job raising all. She overcame a lot being a single mother and again did a wonderful job of teaching all of you to do right. You have all done well in life and all of you participate in things above and beyond the norm in community and in life and are passing those traits on to your children as well.
No matter what, your mother always chose to live simply and enjoy the pleasures life has to offer.
Always keep her memories and her teachings alive in your heart.
I know it hurts like hell right now and it doesn’t get any better with time just less pronounced in your everyday life
Be sure to know that you also did your best to keep her comfortable and at peace I her last months.
You showed the love that you have for her by your caring and compassion and by just being there for her
Please let me know if there is anything else that Lee or I can do to help you through this.
Don’t be afraid to hide your feelings let it all go Ed and be assured that your Mom can only be in a better place free from all of her pain and suffering
Cheryl Ashour says:
November 18, 2009
Gigi, I have such fond memories of spending time at your home and being the recipient of your mom’s loving personality and fun company. I am very sorry for your loss.
Jonathan Leard says:
November 18, 2009
Memee was like a second mother to me. I will never forget how much I looked forward to soft-boiled eggs and crepes for breakfast on my weekend visits. Tending to her garden, playing in her backyard, going to the park, the beach, Saturday mass; a weekend with Memee was one to look forward to and enjoy.
My memories of Memee are some of the most vivid of all my childhood recollections. One instance was as a child, when I was too scared to go into the St. Bonaventure haunted house. After I backed out at the last moment I watched her go in all by herself, and I couldn’t imagine being so courageous myself. The last several years were difficult for her, but she had that same courage I recall from my childhood.
Memee took everyone who needed a place to call home into hers. Her house was so much more; it was a place where you felt safe and loved, a feeling she cultivated with her strength and kindness.
She was everything you could ask for in a grandmother, and the world is a bit less bright without her. I look forward to telling my son all about her and what she will always mean to the family that follows in her footsteps.
She used to tuck me in at night when I spent the weekends with her all those years ago. I remember how she would turn the light off and it was so dark I couldn’t see my hand, but I was comfortable and warm, and I knew she was nearby. “Bon soir”, she would say. And I would fall asleep, safe and secure and loved.
Bon soir, Memee. I will carry you in my heart forever.
Ray Mounts says:
November 18, 2009
My Aunt Arienne has always been a star in my life. I have so many good memories of her. Tasting her cooking, she baked a Yule log one Christmas. It had to be the best thing I had ever eaten. She was always so tender and gracious when I was around her. She showed such strength even in her illness. I recall when I was failing French in high school and spent spring break living with her. I was not allowed to eat at meal times unless I could share what I learned. I had to speak the language. My grade went up upon my return. She will always be in my heart, may God use her passing to show all what people of potential we are and can be.
Helen Kearney says:
November 19, 2009
Ariane was one of the most beautiful, cultured and generous women I have ever known. She was exceptionally kind to my parents and our whole family. She has truly been like a family member.She will be greatly missed by all of us.
My deepest condolences to the entire Leard family. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I’m sorry I cannot be there.
Helen Kearney