Forever Loved, Never Forgotten...
On July 8, 2021, Joan St. Croix passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family. Joan left this world the way she lived her life, with grace and dignity.
Joan was born on March 20, 1936, in Kenora to her parents Douglas and Bernadette Cameron. She spent much of her childhood in Kenora, with time spent living in Vancouver, BC and on Alexandria Island on Lake of the Woods.
Joan’s biggest desire was to help people. To achieve this, she attended nursing school at St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto. Upon completion of her nursing training, she returned to Kenora to work at St. Joseph’s Hospital. She later moved to the Lake of the Woods Hospital where she eventually retired as the Director of Nursing. Along the way, Joan managed to obtain her Bachelor of Nursing degree.
On April 4, 1959, Joan married her first love, Jim Ratchford. They had four children and raised them in a loving, but busy home.
Joan’s greatest love was family. She was never happier that when surrounded by her family, especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. The little ones would always bring a twinkle to her eyes and a smile to her face. She had special relationships with her grandchildren, making each one feel special as they basked in her love.
Joan enjoyed travelling but loved the Lake of the Woods area best of all.
Joan’s many talents included teaching and playing piano, quilting, sewing, knitting, and baking. She shared these skills with her children and grandchildren. Joan possessed a keen intellect and a great deal of common sense.
Joan married Victor St. Croix on May 24, 1993. They shared an enduring faith in God. It was this faith that provided her great comfort as she faced the challenges that life presented, particularly in her later years as she battled cancer.
Joan was predeceased by her husband Jim Ratchford, her parents Douglas and Bernadette Cameron, brother and sister-in-law Bob and Lee Cameron, brother Rick Cameron (Linda), brother and sister-in-law Larry and Bonita Cameron, sister, Carole Ervick, brother-in-law Delbert McDonald and brother-in-law, Raymond Sinclair.
Joan is survived by her husband Victor St. Croix, her children and their families including: Jim Ratchford (Barb), Chris Ratchford (Lesley), Sarah Ratchford-Ellis (Chris and their daughter Margaret Ellis) Cameron Ratchford (Jessica), Jordan Poschner and his daughters Aubrey and Nicole Poschner, Emily Poschner-Brown (Chris), Joanne (Bruce) Meyers with children Jennifer Meyers (Adam) and their children Wyatt and Scotlynn Schuster, Mike Meyers, Jordan Meyers, Susan Ratchford-Domareski (Ken) and their children, Charlie and Mila, brother John Cameron (Candy), sister Jean Leroux (Frank) brother in law, Dale Ervick, and sister in law, Linda Cameron, step children Fr. Ben St. Croix, Brad (Julie) St. Croix with children Matthew, Rachel and Emma, Bonnie Reynard (Lawrence) with children Karen and Abel, sisters-in-law Annette McDonald, Jean Sinclair, Beatrice (Dave) Burt and brother-in-law Rick (Michelle) St. Croix.
Special thanks to June Dearborn for providing excellent care and friendship to Joan over the years as she faced a number of medical issues. Also special thanks to the staff at the Chemo Centre of the Lake of the Woods Hospital for the excellent care they provided during Joan’s lengthy battle with cancer.
In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to a charity of one’s choice.
Prayers will be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church in Kenora on Sunday, July 11, 2021, from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. *Please know, due to COVID, this service has been structured to protect yourself and staff. Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing measures will be in affect.
The Funeral Service will also be held at Notre Dame Catholic Church on Monday, July 12, at 11:00 am. Father Allen Abidenes will be officiating. Please know, due to COVID, this service has been structured to protect yourself and staff. All friends or family wishing to come must call the funeral home at 807-468-8633 to schedule your attendance. The capacity limit for Notre Dame Catholic Church a this time is 75. Masks must be worn at all times and social distancing measures will be in affect.
Burial at Lake of the Woods Cemetery will follow after the service.
Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre are entrusted with arrangements.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com