Jeanne Beatrice Sinclair (nee St. Croix)
May 11, 1940 – January 4, 2025
It is with great sadness that we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved mother, Jeanne Sinclair, who was called to rest on Saturday, January 4, 2025.
Welcoming Jeanne into the grandeur of eternal life is her husband Raymond, parents Benoit and Bernadette St. Croix, Ray’s parents Hugh and Kay Sinclair, in-laws Delbert McDonald, Karen St. Croix, Joan St. Croix, Fred and Lorna Sinclair, George and Alice Sinclair and nephew Ben McDonald along with a memorable brood of furry loved ones.
Remembering her with love are daughter Kathi (Joe); and son Kevin, grandchildren Tyler, Trinity, Phillip, Collin (Chelsea), Owen (Nikki); and great-grandchildren Noah and Mason. Also, cherishing her memory are her siblings Annette McDonald, Victor St. Croix, Beatrice and Dave Burt, Rick and Michelle St. Croix and a bounty of nieces and nephews whom she loved and appreciated so very much. She will also be missed by her special friends within her spiritual circle who filled her daily life with conversation and a shared passion for God.
Jeanne was born May 11th, 1940 in Lac du Bonnet, Manitoba. The family moved to Brock’s Farm on Redditt Road when Jeanne was a toddler until they settled into their Parson Street home in Norman.
Deep in her faith, at 16 years of age, Jeanne joined The Missionary Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart and of Mary Immaculate in St. Boniface, MB. As a Novice, Sr. Anne Marie as she was known, taught elementary students at St. Charles Academy in Winnipeg and at The Convent of Jesus and Mary in Gravelbourg, SK. When the time came, Jeanne knew there were adventures awaiting her and a distinct call to family life she wanted to answer.
Jeanne made her way to Los Angeles and was enjoying city life working as a secretary when, on a visit home in 1964, she was introduced to the charming smile and gorgeous bedroom eyes of a young Ray Sinclair. A whirlwind of love letters and long distance phone calls ensued and it wasn’t long before Jeanne was racing home to a proposal. Jeanne and Ray married in October 1965 at St. Louis Church in Keewatin and so began their enduring story of love and commitment that would last 52 years, until Ray’s passing in 2017.
Well known for her business acumen, ventures and activities, Jeanne first opened Loving Thoughts gift shop in 1972 followed soon afterwards with her t-shirt kiosk Treasure Island. In 1978, she took ownership of the Kenora Bus Depot and Restaurant and in 1987, she converted the depot into Aqua Viva, a fine dining experience. Notably, Jeanne was also the first female President of Chambers of Commerce in Ontario as well as President of the Toastmasters Club, both in Kenora.
By the early ‘90s Jeanne was ready for a change and found herself on a new spiritual journey of devotion to her children and grandchildren and to rejuvenating her faith and service to God. She gave back, in earnest, a hundredfold in life and in prayer.
Always having to be on the go, Jeanne’s happy place was doing things for others. She worked for a while here and there but relished her time spent with her grandchildren and was exceptionally close to Phillip. Jeanne was a special light in his life. She had lots of warm hugs to give and made yummy meals but she was also an incredible sounding board and his go-to for unreserved support.
Never able to slow down and fully retire, Jeanne chose to support her son Kevin’s business and managed his books; always ensuring everything was in order and ready for the accountant at tax time. Jeanne slept well at night in the family home knowing that she was safe under the watchful protection of Kevin in the suite below. They were a team and she was Kevin’s best friend and confidante. She will hold a special spot in Kevin’s heart always.
Jeanne was immensely creative and artistic and was attracted to elegance and sophistication. She created sensational posters for signage and decor, her Christmas trees were magazine worthy and she would design the most beautiful greetings cards for every occasion for family and friends.
Jeanne was a long time member of the Catholic Women’s League and dedicated member of the Notre Dame and St. Louis Catholic Churches. She believed in the power of prayer and healing gifts of the chosen. She was a good and faithful servant.
Together now, in timeless rest, may a perpetual light of the Lord shine upon Jeanne and Ray forever.
The family would like to thank the numerous physicians, nurses and staff involved with mom’s heart and cancer care through the years in Kenora, Thunder Bay and Winnipeg.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to a Cardiac or Cancer Care Clinic of your choice.
Prayers will be held at 7:00pm, Monday, February 3rd, 2025 at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre and the Funeral Mass will be celebrated by Jeanne’s nephew, Father Ben St. Croix at St. Louis Catholic Church in Keewatin, ON, at 11:00 am, Tuesday, February 4th, 2025. A private family interment will take place in the spring.