CROIX, Valerie Jayne St. Croix

Passed away peacefully on Wednesday morning, June 10, 2026, at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto at the age of 70.

Born in London, Ontario, Valerie was raised in a proud military family. Her father, Norm, was a decorated Second World War veteran and former Kenyan Colony Superintendent, and her mother, Shirley, also served in the Canadian Army during the war. The values of discipline, service, and perseverance shaped her throughout her life.

As a young girl, Valerie was a talented and promising equestrian, competing successfully until a serious fall at age 16 brought her riding career to an end. Undeterred, she carried the same determination into every chapter that followed.

Valerie Jayne St. Croix built a successful career with the Ontario Provincial Government, serving in border administration and working her way up to become Executive Assistant to one of the most senior commanders in the border service. When her first son was born, she made the decision to leave her career behind and devote herself fully to raising her family – a choice she never regretted and one that reflected the depth of her love and commitment as a mother.

Valerie joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the late ?O’s, where she found a lifelong community of faith and service. Through the church, she met her husband Harold and built a life centered on family, devotion, and helping others. She became a seasoned temple worker and was widely respected for her expertise in genealogy, spending countless hours helping others discover and preserve their family histories.

Valerie was a lifelong student of history and a gifted storyteller. She shared her passion for Canada’s past through her work as a tour guide at the Bowmanville Museum and by teaching local history classes. Whether discussing historical events, tracing family roots, or recounting family stories, she had a remarkable ability to make the past feel alive.

She possessed a sharp wit and a wonderfully mischievous sense of humour that could catch people by surprise. She loved old movies, especially black-and-white romances, classic monster films, and anything shown on Turner Classic Movies. She also enjoyed keeping up with new films and television series, spending evenings immersed in stories of every kind.

Valerie found joy in simple pleasures: daily walks with her beloved Sheltie, Piper; dinners out with family and friends; evenings at the theatre; live music; and sharing meals around the family table. An accomplished cook and baker, she was famous among family and friends for her shepherd’s pie, lasagna, casseroles, meatloaf, and many other comfort-food favourites that brought everyone together.

She never forgot a birthday, anniversary, graduation, or milestone. Her collection of greeting cards was legendary, and family members could always count on receiving a thoughtful card, perfectly timed, with a message that reminded them they were loved and remembered.

Above all else, Valerie cherished her family. She was a devoted mother to Jared, Colin, and Adam, and a proud grandmother who treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren. Her greatest happiness came from maintaining deep connections with those she loved and helping others feel welcomed, valued, and included.

Valerie is survived by her sons Jared St. Croix and his wife Camla, parents of Marcus, Atlas, and Stella; Adam St. Croix and his wife Melanie, parents of Everett; and Colin St. Croix and his wife Jillian. She is also survived by her sister, Lorraine McGee, and by her faithful companion Piper.

Valerie leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, faith, humour, and unwavering devotion to family. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but the stories she preserved, the traditions she carried forward, and the love she shared so freely will continue to live on in the lives of those she touched.

A Celebration of Life will be held from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Friday, June 19, at Northcutt Elliott Funeral Home in Bowmanville, Ontario.