Humbled by the number of friends, colleagues and officials who came to say goodbye, to recognize her service to the city of Woodland Park, Suzanne LeClercq acknowledged that her retirement was bittersweet.

“I didn’t think anybody would come tonight,” she said, speaking to a packed house Jan. 16 at the Ute Pass Cultural Center. “I am so filled with gratitude looking out there at every single one of you. Thank you for being here.”

LeClercq retired last week after serving the city for 22 years, beginning with leading the police department’s Teen Court, followed by 14 years as the city clerk/deputy manager.

Beginning with Mayor Kellie Case, speakers exhausted the range of adjectives to describe a woman whose legacy is significant.

“She is calm and a reasoning voice, completely grounded in her values,” Case said. “Our city is stronger and better because of Suzanne.”

LeClercq provided guidance to Aaron Vassalotti who said she promised to stay around when he first took the position of city manager.

“Her guidance helped us make better decisions,” Vassalotti said. “She is emotional and the head of our morale department.”

Over the years, LeClercq acquired a regional reputation for running trouble-free municipal elections.

“I never had an issue with an election,” she said, in an earlier interview with the Courier.

“A dedicated servant whose work has not only benefited the city of Woodland Park but also Teller County and the entire state of Colorado,” said David Buttery, former city manager and public works director. “Other clerks around the state seek her advice on a myriad of issues.”

Craig Johnson, the self-described “dreaded son-in-law,” spoke of Leclercq’s pride in her Italian heritage and the values she inherited from her parents.

“She brought her familial legacy and values and put them into her work, her co-workers and friends,” Johnson said. “She put them into her decisions and the citizens, day after day, year after year. And that’s why we’re all here tonight to celebrate Suzanne.”

Amy Jacob, director of the city’s human resources, was emotional in speaking of her friend and co-worker, a woman whose influence is profound.

“You make work better, life richer and all of us better people,” Jacob said.

Speaking from the podium, Leclercq thanked everyone who had a role in her life, city employees, officials, election judges.  

“You don’t do this for recognition; you do this because you care,” she said. “I am incredibly proud to have worked with each and every one of you.”

Leclercq spoke to the citizens of Woodland Park.

“Thank you for trusting me, for your kindness, your patience, and for allowing me to get to know you,” she said. “Every interaction mattered to me; I truly loved serving you.”

Members of Leclercq’s family gathered on the stage at her request, her husband, Andre Leclercq and their adult children and grandchildren. Andre Leclercq, Jr., was the master of ceremonies.

Leclercq credited Jacob and Kristen Higginbotham, the city’s marketing and communications director, for organizing the party for the city of Woodland Park. Fiesta Mexicana provided the catering.

Leclercq plans to work part-time for the city as a risk-management consultant.