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GLADSTONE -- Barbara M. LeClaire, age 92, of Gladstone, passed away peacefully on Friday, October 23, 2026 at Transitions Assisted Living in Gladstone.
Barbara was born on October 8, 1934 in Escanaba, the daughter of Louis and Mary Nelson. Barb graduated from Rock High School in 1952 and then furthered her education graduating from Northern Michigan University in 1956. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education. Barb taught in the Flint and Clarkston school systems.
Barb was united in marriage to Bernard LeClaire in 1956 at St. Joseph Church in Perkins. He preceded her in death in 2008. They resided in Clarkston until Bernard’s retirement in 1984, and they returned to the U.P. residing in Rock and then in Gladstone.
Barb enjoyed playing cards, crossword puzzles, reading, collecting recipes, time at camp, and was an avid Green Bay Packer Backer.
Barb is survived by her daughter Jan LeClaire; sisters-in-law Eunice (Kelly) Elledge and Brenda LeClaire; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her husband, Bernard LeClaire, she was preceded in death by her parents Louis and Mary Nelson; in-laws Dona and Ada LeClaire; brothers-in-law Gerald, Lionel, Ralph LeClaire and Jim Sevo; sisters-in-law Leta LeClaire, Mary Sevo, Dorothy (Kopina) LeClaire and Lois (Walker) LeClaire; nephews Tom and John LeClaire, Robbie Lacy, Stephen LeClaire, Lee Tarrant, and Jimmy Lacy.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed towards the family for distribution to the UP Honor Flight and UP Health Systems Hospice.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Transitions Assisted Living, UP Health Systems Hospice, the Veterans Association, and to hospice chaplain Lewis Hague. They would also like to thank Mark Kidd and staff, the data bus, as well as Rampart EMS services.
A celebration of life honoring Barb will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at the Mead Rod and Gun Club in Gladstone from 12 noon to 4 p.m. Barb will be laid to rest at Gardens of Rest Cemetery in Wells with her husband Bernard. The Skradski Family Funeral Homes of Delta County are assisting the LeClaire family.
