The team at Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima has announced the passing of Abbé Paul Leboeuf. Described by the staff as devoted, generous, and wise, he passed away recently.

Paul Leboeuf made significant contributions to the success of the Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, where he was its greatest benefactor. Born into a family of nine children, he became acutely aware early in life of the challenges faced by individuals living with hearing impairments, as three of his brothers were deaf.

In 1961, at the request of Cardinal Léger, he became the chaplain at Villa Notre-Dame-de-Fatima, which later became the Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima. At the time, the Villa was located on the site of the Pavillon sur le lac at Château Vaudreuil. It welcomed students from the Institut des Sourdes-Muettes in Montreal, offering them respite. By the late 1970s, deaf boys were also admitted to the Villa.

In 1995, the Villa relocated to its current site in Notre-Dame-de-l’Île-Perrot. Today, the Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima continues its mission, providing camp, respite, and accommodation services for children and adults with special needs.

A Pillar of the Community

“He was a pillar who had a profound and positive impact on many young people, whether they were campers or staff. Like many Fatima employees, I had the privilege of interacting with him regularly and benefiting from his wisdom. He shared his great passion with us. It’s a source of pride to continue on the same path and contribute to the development of our community and the well-being of the people we serve,” said Steven Grenier, General Manager of Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima.

To honor his legacy and recognize his vital role in Fatima’s development, the Paul-Leboeuf Foundation was established. This foundation supports the services and projects of Centre Notre-Dame-de-Fatima.

A Family Farewell

The Fatima team was gathered for a retreat to strategize its five-year plan and celebrate when news of his passing reached them. As Abbé Paul once told a journalist, "Nothing happens for nothing. We must trust, even when we don’t understand what’s happening."

“We were so close to him that it’s hard not to see a sign in this moment. We like to think that our friend Paul trusted in our vision for the future of the Centre and made his exit with one final joke, allowing us to grieve together as a family and support one another,” shared Steven Grenier.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and everyone whose life he touched. Like you, we share your sorrow and cherish many beautiful memories of Abbé Paul Leboeuf,” Grenier concluded.