Putnam patriot., 1928-03-08
MRS. ?. M. LECLAIR
 WAS OLD RESIDENT
Head of One of Putnan's Old eas Farn;ries Had Lived
 Here 57 Years
Death Followed Operation Al Day
 KimbsiI Hospital

{ Mrs. Georgianna fMondor) Le- Clair, one of Putnam's oldest citi- zens, died at the Day Kimball Hos pital last Thursday afternoon follow. inc an operation. Although she had i been in failing health due to adyanc- [ ing years she was seriously III but a few days.
 Mrs. LeClair was the widow of r. 1 N. LeClair, for many years one Of this city's leading French Canadian citizens. Mir. LeClaIr died about thir- teen years ago. He was the found CT of the store on Providence street which now does business under the name P. Nj. LeClair Sons Company, one of the oldest meat and grocery stores in Putnam. The store is still in the family and under the direct management of the younger son, AL win LeClair.
 Mrs. LeClair was born in Joliett. P. O., Canada, October ia, 1852. When she was q child the family removed to the United States settling in Grosvenordale. At this time Mir. LeClair was living in Woodstock. At the time that General Grant came to Roaeland Park to make an address Mr. LcClair met his future wife.
 Mrs. LeClair was married in Put nam, May IT. 1869. She and her husband went to Central Village where for a short time MT. LeClair worked nt his trade as a wheelwright for Torrey Bros. About fifty-seven years ago Mir. and Mrs LeClair came to Putnam and lived here continuous ly to the time of their deaths. Mir. LeClair established grocery business in the basement of a building near where tho present store IS today. He was successful from the start and within two or three years purchased the property on the corner of Provi- dence and Marshall streets now occu- pied by the r. M. LeClair Sons Com nany There were few houses in this section in those early days and the business expanded with tine growth of the town. Mir. LeCiair was honest in his dealings and always was firm believer in dealing in the best mer- chandise in the line he carried. The business continued t0 prosper and develop.
 Active In Church work
 Mir. LeClair took an interest in the affairs of his town and was one or the leaders in the north end of the city and was at one time foreman Of the Eagle Hose Company. Mrs. ie- Clair was also widely known and m her younger days entered into all the social affairs and was also active in church and parish work. She was a member of s3t Mary's church during all of her life here and was eonscien- tious in her religious duties. She was an able executive in church and parish affairs. She was also active in the St Ann Society and in the Union St Jeane Baptistc Society.
 Twelve children were born to NIT. and Mrs. LeClair. five of whom are now living. They are Mrs. Betty Drey of Chicago, Mrs. Harry For hes of New London, Mrs. Eva Grin- sell and Alvin LeClair of Putnam, and Hector IeClair of Springfield. She also leaves several grandchildren.
 The funeral service from the home was followed hy a solemn high mass of requiem ai St. Mary's church, Mon dav morning at nine o'clock. The pastor. Rev. U. 0. Bellerose was cele- hrant of the mass, Rev. w. A. kou- thier was deacon and Rev. Joseph D. Casey. sub.deacon.
 The bearers were M. Q. Beaure- gard. Joseph Lucier, Frank x. Lucier, Napoleon Jette, Joseph LaChanee and Peter Magnant. There was pro fusion of beautiful floral tributes from relatives and friends.
 Following the mass burial was in the family lot in St. Mary's ceme- tery with eommittal service by Father Bellerose.