Brother Ivy LeBlanc, S.C.

BROTHER IVY LE BLANC, S.C., 80, a Brother of the Sacred Heart and a resident of New Orleans, Louisiana, since 1972, passed into eternal life at the Hospice and Palliative Care Unit at Ochsner Hospital in Jefferson, LA, on Friday, September 26, 2025. Brother Ivy was born Joseph Ivy LeBlanc, Jr., on September 5, 1945, in Baton Rouge, LA, to the late Joseph Ivy LeBlanc, Sr., of Breaux Bridge, LA, and the late Bridget Babin of Dutchtown, LA. He is survived by his sister, Mrs. Nancy LeBlanc Guidry (Norman) of Baton Rouge, LA; his blood brother, David LeBlanc; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Elegie and Mae Rees LeBlanc, with whom he was very close.

As a pre-novice, Brother Ivy entered the formation program for the Brothers of the Sacred Heart on August 26, 1967, in Mobile, AL. He became a novice on August 14, 1968, at Belvidere, NJ, and he professed first vows in Metuchen, NJ, on August 15, 1969. His perpetual profession took place in Bay St. Louis, MS, on June 10, 1975, and in 2019, there was a great celebration when Brother Ivy marked the 50th anniversary of his first profession.

Brother Ivy prepared for his years as a professional religious educator by earning three degrees: a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from LSU, a Master’s degrees in Educational Administration from Tulane University, and a Master’s degree in Pastoral Ministry from Loyola University. During his 31-years in direct school ministry, Brother Ivy prefected at Catholic Boys’ Home in Mobile, AL; taught and prefected at St. Stanislaus in Bay St. Louis, MS; and taught at McGill Institute in Mobile, AL. The majority of his educational ministry, however, was spent in New Orleans, LA, on Elysian Fields Ave. at Brother Martin High School. It was there that he served as teacher, Assistant Principal for Discipline, Principal, and President from 1972 until 2000. An icon in the Assistant Principal’s office, Brother Ivy was well respected as a no-nonsense disciplinarian who could balance firmness with compassion. As an administrator, he was a gifted leader who blended a deep appreciation of the past with a creative, visionary eye always looking towards the future. He demanded excellence from everyone, especially himself, and gave his all to provide a quality, Catholic, holistic educational program for all in his charge.

Brother Ivy brought his wisdom and vision to bear on his leadership role in his religious community as well. Within the Brothers of the Sacred Heart, he served as provincial for seven years, provincial councilor to seven provincials, a delegate to every legislative assembly of the Province from 1973 to 2024, a delegate to three general chapters in Rome, and as a member of many province boards. With sound judgment and a background in finances, he functioned as treasurer for the Brothers of the Sacred Heart on both the province and world-wide Institute level. A gifted speaker and zealous promoter of the charism of the founder, Brother Ivy made presentations to groups around the world and mentored future school leaders in it.

A quiet man with a deep spirituality, Brother Ivy managed his job-related stress with practical outlets such as biking, running, working out, and watching sports on TV.

A wake and Mass of Christian Burial will be held for Brother Ivy on Saturday, October 11, 2025, in the Conlin Gym at Brother Martin High School (4401 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122). Visitors are asked to use the gym entrance on St. Aloysius Drive. The wake will begin at 9:00 AM followed by the Eucharistic Liturgy at 11:00 AM. A reception will be held in the Tom and Gayle Benson Student Mall immediately following the liturgy. Because of local festivities in Bay St. Louis, MS, on October 11, Brother Ivy will be interred in the Brothers’ cemetery in Bay St. Louis on Monday, October 13, at 4:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Brother Ivy’s honor to the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Foundation (4600 Elysian Fields Ave., New Orleans, LA 70122).

Edmond Fahey Funeral Home is honored to serve family, religious community, and friends of Brother Ivy LeBlanc.