Sybille Gagnon Leary

Sybille Gagnon Leary, 80, a long time resident of Fitzwilliam, passed peacefully Saturday morning, December 8, 2012 at Langdon Place in Keene, NH. Sybille was born August 6, 1932 in Quebec City, Canada. She is loved by her husband Daniel J. Leary of Langdon Place, Keene; children: Michelle Leary, Suzanne Kaplan, and Patrice Leary-Forrey; her siblings Elise Gagnon, Claude Gagnon Bourget; 6 grandchildren Abigail and Lily Kaplan; Elise, Haley, Zofia, and Marta Leary-Forrey; and a large extended family in Canada; Marie Gagnon, Nathalie Gagnon; Jean Gagnon (son Jules Gagnon); Josephte Gagnon (children Marie-Eve, Agathe and Benjamin Brisson-Gagnon); Isabelle and her son Cédric Gagnon, Sophie Gagnon; Charles and François Bourget. Sybille is joined in heaven with her son Sean (1964-1975) and several family members: father and mother Gustave Gagnon Cecile Turgeon Gagnon; a sister and two brothers Lousie, Pierre, and Jacques Gagnon; cousin Brigitte Gagnon and Jacques Bourgette (husband of Claude). Sybille spent her youth with her closest sister Claude, at La Maison de Chteau. Her early adult years were enjoyed on the slopes of Jay Peak Ski Area as a ski instructor where she and Dan, also a ski instructor fell in love and were married. Sybille’s boundless energy and effervescent personality was reflected in her enthusiasm for “projects”. She was known for her creative spirit and love for nature’s gifts. She spent many hours molding beautiful sculptures out of paper meche inspired by the natural world. A self taught folk artist, she created pieces from simple artifacts transforming them into unique sculptural pieces. Sybille shared her talents volunteering and teaching art at Franklin Pierce University, Emerson Elementary School, Elder Hostel Programs at Woodbound Inn and East Hill Farm. Sybille brought nature indoors through seasonal interior decorating at many local businesses within the Monadnock Region. Sybille’s fondness for the outdoors extended beyond her art work as she spent many hours hiking and walking in the woods collecting treasures; teaching Nordic and Alpine Skiing at ski touring centers in and around New England. “Creation de Sybille” sprouted out of her passion for art and was shared by many who admired and collected her sculptures.

The family will gather privately for burial. Sybille will rest with her son Sean in The Troy Catholic Cemetery, Marlborough Road.

In lieu of flowers, those who wish to remember Sybille in a special way may bring a pine bow, tree branch, or nature’s gift, to create a basket for her in the church. Condolences can be sent to Dan Leary 136A Arch St. Apt 131, Keene, NH 03431.

There are no calling hours.

Friends and family can gather Friday, December 14th at the Immaculate Conception Church Hall, Troy, NH for 9am prayers and remembrances followed by a 10:00am service.