Leona Bourcier has a new lease on life, relocating to Crofton and becoming an author.
Bourcier, who turns 58 in September, was born in Nanaimo and lived all here life there before coming to Crofton early this year.
And after many ups and downs in life, she’s found her passion as the founder of Rite Publishing and a self-published author of children’s books for early readers.
Bourcier graduated May 26 from the Cooperative Entrepreneur Training Program through Vancouver Island University for individuals who face barriers to employment.
“My passion and driving force behind Rite Publishing is the importance of learning how to read,” Bourcier explained. “Coming from a family where one of my parents were illiterate, I missed the critical childhood experience of sharing while I was learning how to read. When writing children’s books, I wanted and needed to make a positive difference in a child’s reading development.”
Bourcier’s integration into the community included a book reading and signing at Cedrick’s Coffee House June 12.
“I’ve always had a passion for writing,” Bourcier said.
She’s just now getting a chance to fully realize that dream, better late than never.
“Seventeen years ago, I had a stroke,” Bourcier indicated. “I had to learn to walk, write, talk, everything. I didn’t know if it would be possible to follow my dreams.”
The program for people with barriers to employment at VIU was right up her alley. Only 12 people at a time were accepted, Bourcier went through the application process and got in.
“Through the program, I have lots of mentors,” she said. “Being on disability, I’ve had mental health and depression all my life. There was lots of barriers to any kind of life situation. Depression is something that needs to be talked about and not hidden.”
Out of high school, Bourcier first worked at McDonald’s and had lots of jobs over the years. Coming from foster care she got married early and has two daughters, one in Crofton and one in Maple Ridge.
Bourcier’s family expanded to seven grandchildren whom she adores, three in Crofton and four in Maple Ridge. “I want to leave my legacy to them,” she confided.
Her foray into writing began with Angie Loves Bugs, illustrated by Julie Bird, that came out last July. Her second book, Where Is My Home?, was illustrated by Jenny Allen Taves.
Angeline is Bourcier’s middle name or Angie for short, thus the title of the first book.
“This one took me four hours to write,” she noted. “It’s based on my life.”
Bourcier takes amazing photos and those are used by the illustrators.
“I’m on the ground taking pictures of bugs,” she laughed. “Mostly, it’s nature. I’m always outside taking photos.”
Both books are also done in French.
Bourcier has a series of books planned, providing an educational component and fun for children to read.
“My personal goal for writing children’s books is that I want children to smile, use their imagination while flipping through the pages of my children’s books,” she reasoned. “My purpose for writing books is for children to have fun while learning how to read.”
Being in Crofton has been great for Bourcier’s soul.
“I came here because of the housing situation, she said. “I am grateful for my daughter and husband bringing me here.”
Bourcier has also become part of another family of sorts through Shelley Anderson at Cedrick’s.
“The first day I walked into Cedrick’s, she said ‘welcome to our town,’” Bourcier recalled. “The people in this small community have really embraced me. It’s just been a wonderful experience. I’m so glad in my mature years I found my purpose and passion.”
For more on Bourcier, check out her website here.
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don.bodger@chemainusvalleycourier.ca
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