Obituary of Rev. Joseph Clement Legree

Priest of the Diocese of Pembroke

1930-2023

Peacefully at Pembroke Regional Hospital, on August 28, 2023, fortified by the Sacraments of the Church, at the age of 93 and 67 years of priesthood. Son of the late Austin Legree and Mary Ellen Coughlin. Predeceased in 1917 by his sister, Mary Rita. Following studies at St. Patrick’s College, Ottawa and the le Grand Séminaire de Montréal, Father Legree was ordained to the priesthood on June 3, 1956 at St. Michael’s Church in Douglas. During his 67 years of priestly ministry, Father Legree served as assistant priest in the parishes of Killaloe, Mattawa, Campbell’s Bay, Fort-Coulonge, Renfrew, Whitney, Pembroke, Calabogie, Killaloe, Barry’s Bay and Eganville. He served as parish priest of Portage-du-Fort, Madawaska, Vinton, Sheenboro, Combermere, Latchford Bridge, Killaloe, Calabogie and finally Griffith and Esmonde. Father Legree’s love for the parishes and people of the Ottawa Valley was evident in his service as diocesan historian and in 1988 he published Lift Up Your Hearts, a history of the Diocese of Pembroke.

Solemn Rite of Reception at St. Michael's Church, Douglas on Wednesday, August 30 at 6:00 p.m. with visitation to follow until 8:00 p.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by the Most Reverend Guy Desrochers, C.Ss.R. at St. Michael’s Church on Thursday, August 31 at 10:30 a.m. Interment to follow in the parish cemetery. Donations to Marianhill would be  appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the care of the Goulet Funeral Home, Renfrew. Online condolences/donations may be made at www.gouletfuneralhome.com