With great sadness, the family of Valma Sandra Lacroix (Tervo) shares the news of her peaceful passing on January 15, 2026, at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre after bravely battling ALS.
Valma was born on February 14, 1955, to Lily and Carl Tervo in Beardmore, ON. In 1957, the family moved to Port Arthur, ON. She grew up on Queen St., enjoying a fulfilling life filled with camping, fishing, sunny days, and travel with family and friends.
After completing Grade 12, Valma began working at a remote camp in Sioux Narrows, ON, where she met Eddie Morris. They married soon after and moved to Winnipeg to further their careers. Tragically, Eddie passed away unexpectedly in November 1987. Valma then returned to Thunder Bay to start anew. She went back to college and secured various administrative roles in major industries before retiring after two decades of committed service at Wesway Thunder Bay.
Eventually, a handsome man named Denis-who was also a dear family friend-caught her eye. Their bond deepened over time, leading them to marry on August 4, 2001. Together they built a wonderful life filled with careers they loved while creating a warm family home and traveling frequently. They cherished summers at the lake at Lac des Mille Lacs and enjoyed escaping the harsh winters of Northwest Ontario with multiple trips to Cuba.
Valma kept herself busy with crocheting and reading; there was always a book nearby. She was an avid hockey fan who particularly supported the Winnipeg Jets. Valma took pride in her cooking abilities and became the go-to person for filleting fish.
She was predeceased by her parents Carl and Lily Tervo; her first husband Eddie; her niece Christine; sister Anita; nephew Bradley; lifelong best friend Teri; along with other loved ones.
Valma is survived by her devoted husband Denis Lacroix; her dear dog Patches; stepchildren; granddaughter Arly; sister Sonja; godson Tim; many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as families including Lacroix, Tervo, Mc Lean, Grenier, Laukka and Morris; plus close friends Colleen and Angela.
In accordance with her wishes cremation has occurred without any funeral service being held.
A heartfelt thank you goes out to all the family members and friends who supported her through this difficult time-your kindness truly brightened her days. We also wish to express our gratitude to Dr. C. Moorhouse for his compassion as well as the staff at St. Joseph’s Care Group on 4 North and those at TBRHSC in unit 3C for their care.
If you’d like to honor Valma’s memory with donations please consider ALS Canada or Wesway.
You can share your condolences through www. nwfainc. com
