Dodem – Loon (Maang)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our mother who started her journey into the spirit world the evening of Monday, November 30 in the comfort of her own home. Her path was fully lit by the full moon while being surrounded in love by her children and grandchildren.
Mom was born in Manitou Rapids, May 15, 1934 to Albert & Eva Medicine. She was the sixth child of eight. She had attended residential school at St. Margaret’s in Fort Frances from the ages of 9 – 15. At the young age of 15, Mom lost her mother and moved to Sioux Narrows to live with her older sisters, Violet and Sarah and went to work at various camps in that area.
In April of 1955 mom married our father, Calvin Bombay Sr. in Fort Frances, Ontario and together they raised seven of eight children.
During this time of raising her family, Mom took a position with Rainy River First Nations as the first Welfare Administrator, she held this position for 35+ years retiring in 1998. Also, during this time, Mom was diagnosed and was a survivor of tuberculosis which took many months of recovery. Later on in her mid-life years mom went back to school and obtained her Social Services Administrators Diploma, we were all so proud of her.
Mom’s social life was that of a busy woman. She had many friends and many likes. You could often find her travelling to any bingo hall within her 60 km radius with a car load of her friends. She loved bringing in every new year with her sister Roseanne in Cass Lake, Minnesota. She enjoyed powwows, camping, gardening, cooking, sewing, all night poker games, mystery shows and her CTV news while having or sharing a smoke in her office. Her greatest joy being time spent with her 25 grandchildren, 42 great-granchildren and her 3 great great grandchildren. She also looked forward to her daily phone calls from her grandson Andrew Yerxa and granddaughter Michelle Bombay.
Mom cherished every relationship she had with others, always worrying about the well-being of those around her, going out of her way to make everyone feel special and loved whether it be a neighbourhood kid or someone in need. She always had that listening ear.
She was predeceased by her parents Albert & Eva Medicine; siblings Jack, Tommy, Peter, Alec, Violet, Sarah, Roseann; children, infant daughter Ramona, and sons, Terrance Bombay and Cpl. Calvin Bombay Jr.; grandson Richard; special friends, Susan Oshie-Horton, Julie Leonard, Marie Baptiste, Lucy Copenace, Janet Bruyere and Calvin Bombay Sr.; Pet Dog – “Cow”
She leaves behind her children Greg Bombay (Leann), Murray Bombay (LouAnn), Karen Bombay (Mark), Kathy Bombay (John), Kim Detweiler (Wally Jr.); her friends Dorothy Medicine, Gladys Debungie, Florence & Joe Medicine, Carol & Willie Wilson, Arlene Nighswander and Martha Nighswander; Pet Cat – “Puddy”
Traditional Wake was held at Jean’s residence in Manitou Rapids on Thursday, December 3, 2020 from 4 – 8 p.m.
Funeral Ceremony was held privately for family members Friday, December 4, 2020 at 10 a.m. at Rainy River First Nations Gymnasium. Burial at Traditional Cemetery, Manitou Rapids,
Active Pallbearers: grandsons Myles Bombay, Greg Bombay Jr., Dustin Bombay, Cameron Yerxa, Davis Detweiler and Nephew Jim Leonard
Due to COVID restrictions we apologize in advance for the limitations at both services.
If desired memorial donations may be made to the Diabetes Canada by cheque, c/o Northridge Funeral Home, box 89, Emo, ON P0W 1E0
