08/06/2026
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of our beloved Sister Annette Mary Valade, R.H.S.J. Sister Valade dedicated more than 80 years of her life to nursing, pastoral care, leadership, and volunteerism. Her kindness, humility, and unwavering commitment to serving others touched countless lives and left a lasting legacy in every community she served.
Throughout her vocation, Sister Valade served the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph in nursing, Congregation administration, and healthcare leadership across Cornwall, St. Catharines, and Kingston. Whether caring for patients, supporting her fellow Sisters, or helping guide healthcare organizations, she led with wisdom, compassion, and quiet strength.
For nearly two decades, Sister Valade served the Cornwall community through pastoral care at Hotel Dieu Hospital. She was a trusted source of comfort for patients, residents, families, and staff, offering daily visits, spiritual guidance, and support to people of all faiths. Working alongside physicians, nurses, and healthcare teams, she lived the Religious Hospitallers' mission of caring for the sick and vulnerable with dignity and compassion.
During her years in Cornwall, Hotel Dieu Hospital experienced a period of significant change, including the expansion of the hospital, the growth of St. Joseph's Villa, the development of formal pastoral care services, and the transition from religious to lay leadership. Through it all, Sister Valade remained a steady presence, helping preserve the values and mission that had guided the Hospital since its founding. In recognition of her nearly 20 years of pastoral care and devoted service, she was honoured by the Hospital and the Religious Hospitallers in 1992.
Sister Valade's commitment to service extended well beyond the bedside. She remained an active volunteer and proud member of the Ladies Auxiliary, serving as a liaison between the Volunteer Board and the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph. She also dedicated many years to the Board of Directors of St. Joseph's Continuing Care Centre, retiring in May 2019. Her thoughtful leadership, sound judgement, and unwavering commitment to our mission helped shape our organization and continue to inspire us today.
While Sister Valade will be remembered for her extraordinary contributions to healthcare and pastoral ministry, those who knew her best will also remember her gentle sense of humour, her warm smile, and the incredible homemade fudge she so generously shared. She had a remarkable ability to make people feel cared for, valued, and at ease.
Sister Valade's life was defined by service, compassion, and faith. Her legacy lives on in the many people she comforted, the colleagues and volunteers she inspired, and the lasting impact she made on our organization and community.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Religious Hospitallers of St. Joseph, her family, friends, and all who mourn her passing. Sister Valade will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever appreciated for the compassion, wisdom, and kindness she shared so generously throughout her life.
