Claudette Yvonne St. Louis, born June 4, 1935, to loving parents Wilfred St. Louis and Gertrude (Lamothe), pre-deceased. Weighing in at only 3lbs she spent the first few weeks on the oven door to stay warm and grow small but mighty! Pre-deceased by sister Pauline (infant), and sister Lucille Desormeau (Arthur - deceased.) Leaving behind to celebrate her life are her children, Marc Valade (Sandra) and Carole Valade; siblings Raymond St. Louis (Brenda), Vivienne Ashley (Ed) and Francine St. Louis, Grandson Brett Valade and many cousins, nieces and nephews.
After her schooling at NBCIVS, she pursued a career as a secretary for Underwriters Adjustment, Sunlife, the Township of West Ferris, then a long career of over 35 years with The City of North Bay when the two amalgamated. After retiring from the City of North Bay, she kept busy as a volunteer at the Orthopaedic clinic, and the North Bay Food Bank.
Curling was one of her passions. She curled with business girls, ladies and mixed at the North Bay Granite Club for over 20 years. Many friendships were formed; her long time friendships remain solid to this day. Games played all over Ontario gave her such great memories and fun times to recall over the years. Thanks to Sal S for preparing the ladies and men’s curling finals schedule and sitting for the first 5 ends of each game every day; she didn’t miss a game. Her love for the game of golf also gave her great joy. A long-time member of Pinewood Business Girls golf and the North Bay Golf and Country Club provided more fun and grew her social circle of friends.
After the passing of her mother in 2006 she moved to Castle Arms 2. She made another large circle of friends there and was involved in numerous activities such as bingo, bazaars, teas, birthday celebrations and was President of the 480 Club. Lots of baking (another passion of hers), cooking and entertaining kept mom very busy for many years. Thank you to the friends and neighbours who brought her meals while she was ill. It meant a lot to her. She realized one day how she was loved by all.
Not one to mince her words, she told it like it is. She had a great sense of humour and loved a good joke. Many times she would try to tell the joke, but forgot the punch line. Her Claudette-isms were one of a kind. At the time of her diagnosis, eating was becoming difficult. It was suggested that she visit a dietitian to help with food. Her reply was, “why would I see a dietitian when I’ve already lost the weight.”
Her finals days were spent at The Nipissing Serenity Hospice. Once again, friendships were formed with the Nurses, PSW and staff. She wanted to know about their families, their job, and always thanked and praised them for their great care. Thank you to Dr. Moore, Meagan, Heather, Sabrina, Rikki, James (working your magic with the TV) and so many more for making mom’s final days so special and much needed support for her family, especially her daughter Carole.
Her pride and joy were her family. The love, care and compassion she gave over the years will be missed by so many. She loved to sit with a glass of wine, a Caesar with niece Nancy; a coffee with sister-in-law Pat; a long distance chat on the phone with brother Ray in Aurora and sister-in-law Gail in BC and watching Y&R with sister-in law Diane gave her such great joy. When she learned how to use an IPad, FaceTime was a blessing so she could see her loved ones instead of just hearing a voice. Birthday cards were always in the drawer waiting for her signature to send to loved ones and far away friends. At Christmas, she was the first to initiate after dinner board/card games. Games were friendly but her competitive spirit came through when she won. Always a good loser too, definitively no cheating allowed and the rules were followed to a tee. Pictionary was not her friend!
Her 88 years have been filled with some sadness, some sorrow, but mostly blessed with good times with family and friends. Her faith as a practicing Catholic brought her through this extremely trying time. We will celebrate her life at a mass and burial at a future date this summer with family and friends.
…….until we meet again.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Claudette’s memory may be made to the Nipissing Serenity Hospice.