Since June 2021, Claire Léonard has taken her place at the second-floor reception desk every other Monday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. There, she welcomes patients, visitors and families to Maison St-Raphaël with a gentle spirit, sympathetic ear and generous heart that are immediately apparent.
Claire’s receptionist duties are varied and important. She’s often the first person encountered at the care home. She listens to everyone and makes them feel comfortable and familiarizes them with the place. She also ensures that everyone in the dining room has everything they need. She orders meals for patients and their loved ones, in addition to keeping the premises a welcoming, clean and smooth-running place. Her job involves a little bit of everything, which is what she likes about it.
Claire decided to become a volunteer because of past personal experience. A profoundly life-changing event led her to offer her time to a palliative care centre. In 2018, she lost her sister, who was supported at a similar centre on the South Shore. “I was touched by the care and compassion she received. It made me want to pay it forward in a place that embodies these same values.” The place she chose was Maison St-Raphaël. For almost four years, Claire has been contributing her time, her presence and her kindness.
What she loves most about Maison St-Raphaël is the human contact, the connection with families, other volunteers and staff. “There’s a warmth here that’s hard to explain, but you feel it as soon as you come in.”
Before becoming a volunteer at Maison St-Raphaël, Claire had already explored another avenue of community involvement. She volunteered at Tel-Aide, a helpline for people in distress, where she received training in active listening.
In addition to her volunteer work, Claire has a career in the media, working as special projects coordinator for Coup de pouce and Elle Québec magazines. She has been involved in this creative and stimulating environment for several years. Prior to that, she completed a diploma in dance at the Université de Montréal and taught classical ballet for 10 years.
Tire le coyote – Le ciel est backorder
Quand ton corps est une cage où l’on enferme la maladie
Tu veux reprendre le tirage sous prétexte de tricherie
Le temps prépare un carnage, il plaidera sans doute la folie
Toi, tu la dévisages pour lui voler des morceaux de vie
Si la mort fait le voyage et qu’elle se pose sur ton lit
Faut pas s’attendre à un sondage pour connaître tes envies
Mais si on compte le courage à la grandeur du défi
Tu scores un gros pointage, un record toutes catégories
Laisse-moi pas, on retrouvera le feu
Laisse-moi pas, on brûlera les adieux
Le ciel est back order
When asked to name a work dealing with the subject of death that has left an impression on her, she mentioned the song “Le ciel est backorder” by the artist Tire le coyote. The lyrics resonate with her experience alongside her ailing sister. Every time she listens to it, she is brought back to that time that was marked by pain, courage and precious memories.
But there’s another part of Claire’s life beyond mourning and giving kindness to others. There’s also a little boy who fills her weeks with happiness: her grandson, Mathéo. “Picking him up from daycare and bringing him home to share supper and bedtime are moments I cherish. Nothing makes Grandma happier!”
