Annette 'Anne' McDonald

July 28, 1937 - April 18, 2025

It is with great sorrow the family announces the passing of their mother, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Jesus greeted Annette Marie McDonald (nee St. Croix) on Good Friday April 18, 2025.

She was welcomed into eternity by her beloved husband, Delbert, her son, Bentley, her parents, Benoit and Bernadette St. Croix, her in-laws, Emma and William McDonald, her sister, Jeanne Sinclair, and her sisters-in-law, Karen and Joan St. Croix, along with many more cherished loved ones.

She leaves behind to continue fighting the good fight of faith: her oldest son, Raymond, and his wife Gerry; her daughter, Jeannie, and her husband David Luby; her son Bentley’s wife Joanne; Paul, and his wife Kelly; and her youngest son, Mark, and his wife Nadine. Her legacy of love, strength, and unwavering faith will live on through them. She also leaves to mourn, her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, sister Beatrice (Dave) Burt, brother Victor St. Croix and brother Rick (Michelle) St Croix.

Born in Pine Falls, Manitoba, to Benoit and Bernadette St. Croix in 1937, Annette was a treasured individual whose presence brought warmth and joy to all who knew her. She would have celebrated her 88th birthday this July.

Annette’s life was deeply rooted in faith in God and her devotion to Mary the mother of Jesus. She spent five years as a devoted member of The Missionary Oblate Sisters of the Sacred Heart before choosing to follow her heart. She left the convent to pursue her one love, Delbert Lawson McDonald, with whom she fell head over heels in love. They were married on October 3, 1959, embarking on a beautiful life together filled with love, commitment, and shared dreams.

Annette lived life with an adventurous spirit, always embracing new experiences alongside her family. In 1963 she and Delbert, along with their three children, embarked on their first journey together to Orange County, California, where they were blessed with their fourth child. Their travels didn’t stop there—driven by curiosity and a love for new places, they later made their way to Alaska before returning to Keewatin in 1966 where their journey continued.

Upon their return to Kenora, Annette and Delbert embarked on a new chapter—real estate. They were blessed with six duplexes, which they carefully restored and rented out, marking the beginning of their passion for fixing and selling homes. Their dedication to creating welcoming spaces for others became a significant part of their journey, shaping their lives and the community around them. The fourth son arrived before they moved from Keewatin to Kenora.

Eventually, Annette and Delbert moved to Jaffray Melick on the Anderson Branch Rd, settling at what would come to be known as the Del-Anne Ranch, a group home for young offenders. With open hearts and unwavering compassion, Annette ran the home as she did her own family, ensuring that every young boy who passed through its doors experienced the true love and guidance of parents. Her belief in second chances and the power of a caring home left an indelible mark on the lives she touched.

After Delbert’s passing in 1988, Annette faced a world without her one true love. Their dreams of travelling and embarking on more adventures were tragically cut short, but she pressed forward with unwavering faith in God. She carried her mission to Cross Lake, Manitoba, continuing to bring warmth, wisdom, and love to those in need.

As the years passed, arthritis took a heavy toll, limiting her ability to travel but she was blessed to live in a condominium overlooking Lake of the Woods for many years. Her last two years were spent at Pinecrest Home for the Aged. Yet, even as her body weakened, her spirit remained strong. Surrounded by the love of her family, she entered the arms of her Savior, Jesus, completing her race with faith. She had fought the good fight, and as she crossed the finish line, she was surely welcomed into eternity by Jesus, Delbert and her beloved family and friends. Laughing, dancing, and embracing her Heavenly Father, she now rests in perfect peace.

Annette’s life was one of generosity, strength, and deep devotion to those around her. Whether through her love for family, the connections she forged, or the wisdom she shared, she left a lasting impact on all who knew her. One of Annette’s favourite quotes was, ‘Only one life shall soon be passed, only what’s done for Christ shall last’.

She will be deeply missed but forever cherished.

The family extends their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Pinecrest, including the dedicated PSWs, nurses, and especially Charge Nurse Brenda and Dr. Anderson. The unwavering care, kindness, and support have meant so much to the family during this difficult time.

Pallbearers will be Amanda Lugossy, Joven (Ann) McDonald, Lawson (Emma) McDonald, Ravae (Dylan) Wiebe, Sarah (Nick) Hendy, and David Burt Jr. Honourary pallbearers Chantel Lugossy, Joshua Lugossy, Jennifer (Alex) Cimino, Raymond McDonald, Ashley McDonald, Brian McDonald, Daniel McDonald, Josee McDonald and Angel McDonald.

Prayer service will be held at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Monday, April 28th, 2025 at 7:00 pm. A Mass of Celebration of Life will be held at St Louis Catholic Church on Tuesday, April 29th, 2025 at 10:30am with interment to follow. For those unable to attend, a live stream will be available at https://fweb.tv/180275