Aabidewebinesiik  Aabideweyaasimook – Lynx/Bizhiw Clan

It is with great sadness the family announces the sudden passing of Melanie Jourdain, 46 years old,  of Duluth, Minn., on November 10, 2025, at Essentia Health in Duluth.

Melanie was born in Thunder Bay on January 4, 1979, to parents Priscilla Jourdain and Gordon Jourdain. She was a proud member of Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe First Nation. Melanie received her Bachelor of Science in Nursing and became a Nurse Practitioner through Lakehead University, Thunder Bay, and was completing a Masters of Science in Nursing – Nurse Educator through Chamberlain University.    

Melanie loved spending time with all her nieces, nephews, cousins, aunties and uncles and attending family reunions and family gatherings. She loved fashion and going out to dinners and movies. Melanie loved fishing, travelling and being in the outdoors. 

She will be lovingly remembered by her parents Priscilla (Rod) and Gordon (Rosie); her siblings Maurice and Mariah (Chance) King-Pedoniquotte; her nephews Coale Esquega-Jourdain (Madison), Miskwaadesi and nieces Waasejiwan and Giizhigokwe.

Melanie is also survived by aunts and uncles Gladys, Audrey, Robert (Debbie), Rick (Peggy), Phyllis (Wayne), Brian (Manon), Doreen, Roland, Steve, Josephine, Nora (Jimmy), Leon, Larry (Patricia), Andrew (Charlene); and numerous cousins from the Atatise & Jourdain families. 

She was predeceased by her son Jaelyn Lyons; grandparents Bessie and Bob Atatise, Andrew and Mary Jourdain; great-grandmother Mary Pat Jourdain; uncles Lester, Ryan, Paul, Norman, Angus; aunts Ruby, Joan Marie, Isobel; and many extended family members. 

A Traditional Wake was held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at 4 pm at Gakijiwanong Anishinaabe First Nation Gym, followed by a traditional service on Friday, November 14, at 10 a.m. with Elder Gilbert Smith officiating.  

Pallbearers will be Melanie’s family and friends.

A special Thank you to Andrew Jourdain Jr. for being there in our time of need. Also thank you to Angus Jourdain, Joyce Ottertail, Lori Geyshick. These very special family members went out of their way to comfort Melanie and helped us get through this very difficult time. A very special thank you to Carrie Atatise-Norwegian for all her support and guidance in making all the arrangements.

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