Discussion: Pat de St Croix

Very many orienteers ijn North America and around the world know Pat de St Croix. I've known Pat and her family for as long as I've been orienteering. I'm sad to report that this message appears in today's Ottawa Citizen.
Patricia Jane de St. Croix
de St.Croix, Patricia Jane (nee Brown) Passed away peacefully at Hospice at May Court, on Saturday September 20, 2008 in her 82nd year, after a courageous battle with Leukemia. Beloved wife of 56 years of Richard; sons Gene (Paulette de la Barre), Ted (Maureen), Nick (Brenda Jones), and Andy (Teddie Laframboise), as well as grandchildren Whitney, Nicholas, Joshua, Nicole, Austin and Moira. Pat was a McGill grad, high school teacher, leader, community volunteer, competitor, role model to many, and through her unwavering dedication to everything she did in life, an inspiration to all who knew her. A celebration of her life will be held between 2:00 and 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 11, 2008 at the Carleton Golf and Yacht Club in Manotick. Memorials may be made to the Nature Conservancy Canada or the Hospice at May Court in Ottawa. Condolences, tributes or donations may be made at www.tubmanfuneralhomes.com
You may also sign the newspapers Book of Remembrance at http://www.legacy.com/can-ottawa/Obituaries.asp?Pa...

Sad news. I have many great memories of Pat - always a smile on her face, always interested in hearing how my run went or how my kids were doing. It was a pleasure seeing her at races over the years. She will be remembered fondly.

Pat was at every COC's....or at least everyone I was at. Always remembered my name and would always ask about my dad if he wasn't there.

I remember at Sudbury('89) while on my course 2, I ran in to her in the midst of a mini-panic since I had no idea where I was. She encouraged me to keep looking and stay on track, but would not tell me where the control was:) In hindsight I am glad she never showed me....taught me that I need to do it on my own and perservere.

Yeah, this is sad news. I always enjoyed talking with Pat. Always made me feel better, no matter what my mood was.

My very vivid memory is being at O central at the beginning of "our" WOC 93 week when Pat showed up, not thinking participation, but asking "Is there anything I can do?", as if it were her purpose for being there. Obviously there was plenty to do, especially for someone with her experience, and reliability. She immediately sat down and started working. and I believe was a mainstay of the crew for the duration.

If anyone has photos of Pat, please send them to Ted for a slide show for their family's Thanksgiving celebration of her life.
tdsc .at. sotique dot com