Janice Anne (Traynor) St.Croix, 83, wife of James D. St.Croix, formerly of 634 Davidson St., passed away on Tuesday evening, July 25, 2017 at Samaritan Summit Village surrounded by her loving family.
A life-long resident of Watertown, Janice was born on April 3, 1934 at Mercy Hospital, in Watertown, NY, the daughter of Howard and Emma Butler Traynor. Janice graduated from Immaculate Heart Academy in 1952, where she was a cheerleader and English award winner. It was here that she met her high school sweetheart, and love of her life, James St.Croix.
Janice and James were married May 8, 1954 at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Francis G. Coseo (Monsignor)and Rev. Benoit C. Dostie officiating. Their love was strong, as even through her final days, Janice and Jim were frequently seen holding hands and sharing quiet moments. They celebrated their 63rd wedding anniversary this past year. Janice was a mother to eight boys, whom she lovingly referred to as her “8 little saints”. In addition to this most important role as a mother, Janice was employed in various positions including: Agricultural Insurance Co, Fay’s Drug Store, United Northern Bank, and H&R Block. She also worked in the Sacred Heart School Cafeteria and for the New York Board of Elections.
A devoted parishioner at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, she was an active member of the Altar Rosary Society and the Festival Committee. She enjoyed playing cards with her bridge club, traveling with her husband, and spending time at the family cottage at Silver Shores in Sackets Harbor. Janice also loved hosting her family for coffee and ice cream after Sunday morning mass. Her family will miss her famous carmelitas, pea soup and potato salad.
Janice was an avid reader, and she shared this enthusiasm as a volunteer in the learning center at Immaculate Heart Central High School. She also had a passion for sports, and could often be seen cheering on her numerous children and grandchildren in as many contests as she could attend. For many years, she also enjoyed her annual trip with her husband, children, and grandchildren to the NCAA Lacrosse Final Four. Janice was a die-hard Duke Fan and was given a Coach K signed photo to commemorate her 50th wedding anniversary. In addition to her husband, James, she is survived her 8 sons: Jeffrey J. (Rosemarie), Watertown; Jayme M. (Jo Ann), Watertown; Jon H. (Jennifer) Castorland; Jan H.(Rob), Creskill, NJ, Joel and (Marilyn), Lillian, AL, James D. Jr. (Kerry), Camillus; Jean P.(Catherine), Lowville; and Jerome S. (Heather), Rochester. Janice also leaves behind 29 grandchildren, 26 great- grandchildren, a brother Thomas (Cindy) Traynor, Iowa, many nieces and nephews, and a legacy that will not be forgotten.
Janice’s family would like to express their sincere gratitude for the wonderful care provided to Janice by her caregivers Cheryl VanNess and Tammy Parks, the doctors and nurses at Samaritan, and the loving staff at Summit Village.
Calling hours will be held on Sunday, July 30, from 1-4pm at Cummings Funeral Service, Inc., 214 Sterling St., Watertown. A prayer service will be at the funeral home on Monday, July 31, at 9:15AM followed by the funeral mass celebrated at 10AM at Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church with Rev. Richard Kennedy, MSC and Rev. Jonas Tandayu, MSC, officiating.
Burial will be in North Watertown Cemetery immediately following.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Mrs. James D. St.Croix, IHC tuition scholarship, 1316 Ives St., Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Church, 320 W. Lynde St. or to the Sacred Heart Foundation, 668 Thompson St., all in Watertown, NY 13601. Online condolences to her family may be made at www.cummingsfuneral.com.