Ogimaabinesiik – Awaazisii Clan

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Amy Kelly announces her unexpected and heartbreaking passing on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the age of 54, at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ontario. Amy was born to Corrine and Jim H. Kelly of Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation on March 28, 1971 in Emo, Ontario. She was of the Awaazisii Clan (Bullhead Clan).

Amy was raised and lived in her community, Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation. She loved her community and all community members wholeheartedly, often spending time visiting with or cooking for community members. She loved spending time with her family, playing cards or hosting karaoke night. She loved dancing, laughing, doing TikTok trend videos, and bush rides to the Old Rez, but most of all, she loved creating memories with her children and grandchildren. Amy was fiercely devoted to her children and grandchildren and it showed in the many ways they bonded; through daily visits, sleepovers, baking with her grandkids, listening without judgement, laughter loud enough for the neighbours to hear, and supporting each other endlessly. Amy, her children and grandchildren would travel to tropical destinations every year and live life to the fullest. Being with her children and grandchildren is what she lived for. Amy had an infectious laugh and a smile that could light up any room. She truly loved and cared for everyone she met.

Amy graduated with her Social Work degree, PSW diploma and worked as a Community Wellness Worker in her community. Helping others came naturally to Amy. She was quick to support others in times of need and would oftentimes be found checking in with others. Her selflessness was unwavering and she always put others first because that is who she was.

Amy is predeceased by her father Jim H. Kelly Sr.; siblings Pam Copenace, Connie, Clyde and Rick Kelly; nephews and nieces Gus (Mork) Copenace Jr., Rick Copenace, Lawrence Kelly Jr., Matthew Kelly, Lance Tom, Cher Cowley and Cora Mandamin-Copenace; aunts Josephine Kipling, Evelyn Copenace, Clara Jack, Mary Kelly Jr., Alice Hoard, Victoria Kelly; uncles Albert Herbert Sr., George Kelly, Edward Kelly Sr., Colin Kelly, John Jim Kelly, Robert Kelly; and sister-in-law Ronalda Paypompee; grandparents Mary Kelly Sr., Harry Kelly Sr., Margaret Herbert and Patrick Herbert.

She leaves behind her beloved children Jonah Kelly (Lena) and Danielle Kelly; son-in-law Theron Indian (Elsie) and grandchildren Shawon and Marissa Kelly, Jamie Indian, Emma Chang, and Silas Indian; Traditionally Adopted children Phenix Burke, Meeka Assin, Carlos and Seth Pahpasay; mother Corrine Kelly; her siblings Lawrence Kelly Sr. (Brenda), Harry Kelly (Leona), Susan Kelly, James Kelly Jr. (Nancy), Lisa Kelly (Hazhu), Janice Kelly (Terry), Loretta Kelly (Jerome), Dennis Mandamin (Donna); brothers-in-law Gus Copenace Sr., Lil Joe Letander, Kirby Paul and sister-in-law Beverly Paypompee; the father of her children Brian Paul (Carrie); and her special friend Tim Sinclair; and nieces and nephews too numerous to name.

The family would like to express their utmost gratitude to the emergency department staff at La Verendrye General Hospital, Indigenous Liason Christie Ottertail-Brown, the staff at Northridge Funeral Home, Chief and Council and the community of Ojibways of Onigaming.

Her honorary pallbearers are her lifelong best friends and family: Susan Kelly, Lisa Kelly, Janice Kelly, Loretta Kelly, Janet Bob, Tracy Desroaches, Tracy Panacheese, Linda Skunk, Toni White, Beverly Paypompee and Tara Singleton. Pallbearers will be her nephews Merlin Kelly, Brennen Kelly, Terrence Kelly, Kyle Copenace, Taylor Burke and her children’s father, Brian Paul. Fire keepers are Dayton Kelly, Bryden Kelly and Cecil Copenace.

A traditional wake will be held on November 19, 2025, at Nestor Falls Hall at 2 p.m. with funeral services on following day November 20, 2025, with Leslie Copenace (Waasay) officiating.

Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.