The Brother Martin community is deeply saddened by the passing of Brother Ivy LeBlanc, S.C. Since 1967, Brother Ivy has served in numerous roles at educational institutions of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart. Much of his work took place at Brother Martin, where he held various positions, including teacher, Dean of Students, Vice Principal, Principal, and ultimately, President. He dedicated his life to servant leadership to the institution that continues to thrive today, taking care of the young people entrusted to the Brothers and our Partners in Mission.
About Brother Ivy LeBlanc, S.C.
Ivy LeBlanc was born to Bridget and Joseph LeBlanc in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, in 1945. He graduated from Catholic High School and joined the Brothers of the Sacred Heart on August 26, 1967, at the age of 22, after having received a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from LSU. He started his educational ministry at Saint Stanislaus, the Catholic Boys' Home, and the McGill Institute in Mobile. He then began a lifelong commitment to Brother Martin High School in New Orleans in 1972, where he served over the years as teacher, Dean of Students, Vice Principal, Principal, and, ultimately, President. Along the way, he continued his professional education, earning a Master’s of Education in Administration from Tulane University and a Master’s of Pastoral Studies from Loyola University New Orleans.
In his leadership tenure at Brother Martin High School, he had the foresight to see the need for future financial planning for the school to maintain affordability for its families and students and to “grow” the campus programs and facilities to meet the needs of students over time. He focused his energy on thoughtful financial planning and fundraising, organizing various events such as the school fair and the Extravaganza Auction to foster community building and raise funds. Due to his vision, the school has thrived. Entities that we take for granted today, such as the installation and development of a Board of Directors, the school’s corporate structure, the President/Principal leadership model, and the onset of strategic master planning and capital campaigns, allow Brother Martin High School to be the vibrant, forward-thinking, and “state of the art” school and campus that it is today.
Brother Ivy’s imprint on the Institute of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart is equally profound as it is on Brother Martin High School. He has been a delegate to five General Chapters, the highest legislative body of the Institute, which is convened every six years. He has served three terms as Provincial of the New Orleans Province and now as Provincial Treasurer. Additionally, he has served as a member of the Provincial Councils. As part of the team leading the unification of the three United States provinces into one, he has ensured that legal and financial probity is safeguarded and that formation programs, such as the Coindre Leadership Program, continue to thrive. With the mentorship and wisdom of Brother Martin Hernandez, S.C., always in his mind--a wisdom that calls for keeping the needs of the young people at the forefront of decision making--Brother Ivy LeBlanc has truly made “fidelity through change” the hallmark of his life’s works. Brother Martin High School, the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, and the thousands of people who have worked with Brother Ivy have been transformed for the better because of his commitment to the charism of André Coindre and his passionate devotion to the educational ministry of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart.
Please join us in praying for the repose of Brother Ivy LeBlanc, S.C. His wisdom, leadership, and compassion will remain in our hearts. May his life of faithful service to the mission of the Brothers of the Sacred Heart and the charism of our founder, Father Andre Coindre, inspire us to continue his legacy of evangelizing young people through education, humility, servant leadership, and love for others.
"Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon them. May the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace."
