Our hearts are heavy as the family of Florence Yerxa (nee Smith) announce her passing on Monday, June 22, 2026, at LaVerendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont., surrounded by the love of her family.
To us, she was the matriarch of the Yerxa family, a cherished daughter, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, aunt, and friend. She was known by spirit as Minwegwinebiik of the Atik Doodem.
Born on March 11, 1941, in Naicatchewenin First Nation to Alphonse and Mary Smith, Minwe led a life rooted in love, kindness, and humility. She was a deeply respected traditional knowledge keeper, language carrier, teacher, and residential school survivor who dedicated her life to preserving, protecting and revitalizing Anishinaabe ways of knowing and being through family, community, and connection.
Minwe shared 67 years of marriage with her life partner and best friend, William Yerxa. Their journey together was built on love, strength, laughter and devotion; her greatest joy was found in the family they built. A love that can be seen in the faces of her children and many grandchildren. Minwe was a jingle dress dancer, a fan of the Blue Jays and Loretta Lynn, a seamstress, and a devoted fan of the International Falls High School Bronco Team, where you would find her cheering on her grandsons Anthony and William. Minwe held the Broken Horn Drum Group close to her heart and would often say their singing brings healing and would encourage them to continue singing and to be proud Anishinaabe. Her greatest love was her family, she was proud of all her children and grandchildren.
Minwe had a beautiful gift for bringing people together. The laughter of her sisters echoed the joy she brought into every room. She found joy in preparing meals and baking for her family and especially enjoyed her outdoor breakfast cookouts. Her kitchen and her home were places family gathered, teachings were passed on, all were welcome and love was always present. The legacy of Minwe is love. Minwe was creative, loved sewing and crafting. She also loved listening and learning from the youth. She would say it gave her so much hope for the future to hear the young people speak. Minwe looked forward to every powwow season to participate and watch her family dance and sing in the circle. She used to love to travel to powwows with her older sister Louise. Minwe carried the teachings of manoomin and loved to harvest with her family.
Minwe was predeceased by her parents Alphonse and Mary Smith; brother Leonard Smith; sisters Liza and Alice Smith and Louise Morrisseau; grandson Joseph Yerxa; great-grandson Tyrell Yerxa; daughter-in-law Cynthia Kawulia; son-in-law Doug Fairbanks; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Richard Green, Vernon (Chick) Perrault, Delia Smith, Gerald Smith, Robert (Hilda) Yerxa, Leo Yerxa, Wayne Yerxa, Beatrice (Richard) Kenny, Florence (Aldin) Foy, Joyce (Birdie) Cantin, Dorothy (Ed) Kelly, and Harry Morrisseau Sr.
Minwe is survived by her husband William Yerxa; her siblings Gilbert Smith, Elsie Green, Lorraine (Tommy) Smith, Wayne (Tiffany) Smith; children Wilma Yerxa-Bird, Edward (Iline) Yerxa, Vernon (Sheila) Yerxa, Deborah Fairbanks, Brian (Gerri) Yerxa, Cheryl (John) Vandermeer, Charlene (Rolland) Michano, James Yerxa, Lori (Matt) Yerxa, Wandy (Cory) McCabe, Panda (Andrew) Whiteman, Darren (Mackenzie) Yerxa, Randy (Erin) Yerxa, Krista Yerxa, Mikaelah (Cale) Yerxa; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A traditional wake took place on June 26, 2026, at the Couchiching Multi-use facility and a traditional funeral service was held on June 27, at 10:00am with Albert Hunter officiating. Interment took place at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery on Couchiching First Nation.
The pallbearers are Eli Vandermeer, Vernon Yerxa, Jordan Michano, Issiah Fiesell, Dakota Kavanaugh, Kevin Yerxa, Cameron Yerxa, Brian Whiteman Jr. Edward Yerxa and Cale Anderson. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
