It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Andrew St. Croix (Sanqua), beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend. Andrew passed away on July 3rd, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. He was 56.
Born to the late Elizabeth Sanqua (née McMenemy) and Ronald Sanqua, Andrew grew up with a strong sense of family and values. He is survived by his loving sister, Maria Hayes (Sanqua), and her husband, Patrick Hayes.
Andrew was the devoted husband of Valerie O’Brien, with whom he shared an extraordinary love story that began in 2004. Together, they built a life filled with shared passions for music, movies, books, outdoor sports, adventures, road trips, foreign travel, warm climates, golfing, camping, and more. They were kindred spirits who shared a faith in God and the teachings of the Catholic church. They found joy in each other’s company and the world around them.
As a father, Andrew’s greatest joy and deepest love was for his son, Connor Ewan St. Croix, who is just 9 years old. Andrew’s dedication to his family was evident in his remarkable strength and resilience. Throughout his illness, he continued to work full-time, determined to provide for and protect his loved ones.
Extended members of the Sanqua and McMenemy families had a strong bond with Andrew, as did all the O’Briens. Andrew knew their love and he appreciated them all.
Andrew was a voracious reader, always immersed in multiple books at once, with a remarkable memory that made him a natural historian. His friends and colleagues knew him as a jovial, hardworking individual, but he shared his profound emotional depth with those closest to him. He was a person of great character and integrity, whose quiet strength and unwavering love left a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Andrew’s legacy is one of love, courage, and dedication. He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
A Mass to honour Andrew’s life will be held Tuesday, July 9th 10:30 am at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church 63 Elgin St, Collingwood, ON L9Y 3L6 in Collingwood, Ontario. A reception will follow at John Saunders Centre 80 Sandford Fleming Dr, Collingwood, ON L9Y 4V7.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Andrew’s memory to Theatre Collingwood Association Inc.
Rest in peace, dear Andrew. Your spirit, love, and memory will live on in our hearts forever.
CARRYING THEIR LOVE
We never lose the people we love, even in death. They continue to participate in every act, every thought, and every decision we make.
Their love will always be imprinted in our memories and carried in our hearts. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love.
We will see them in the sunrise and touch them in the sand between our toes. We will hear them in the music and smell them in the air after the rain. Every flower and plant; every star and bird; if we look closely, they are there.
This is how we carry their love, this is how they live on...forever.
Bill Gisclair-Sullivan
Friends may visit Andrew’s online Book of Memories at www.fawcettfuneralhomes.com