zoongise binishkwe (strong bird woman) Mooz Dodem.
May 6, 1951 – September 5, 2026
It is with heavy hearts and great sadness that we announce the passing of Denise Copenace, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, and cherished member of her family.
Denise will be lovingly remembered for the love she gave so freely to her family and for the many memories she created with those who were fortunate enough to know her. Her family was her greatest treasure, and her love will continue to live on through the generations.
Denise loved baking cinnamon buns, and she made the best bannock ever. She was a master star blanket maker and put so much love, care, and warmth into every blanket she created. Her baking and beautiful blankets were more than things she made—they were expressions of her love for family and community. Denise’s kindness, creativity, and the love she poured into everything she did will always be remembered and cherished.
Denise had an especially beautiful and unconditional love for her grandchildren. She made sure each one of them knew, without a doubt, just how deeply they were loved and cared for. No matter their age, they could always count on Grandma Denise to make them feel special, safe, and loved. She had her own way of showing that love—with her warm heart, her endless affection, and, of course, those big, slobbery kisses that her grandchildren will never forget. Those kisses may have made them laugh, squirm, or try to escape, but they were one of the many ways Denise showed them that they were hers to love. The memories of her hugs, her kisses, her laughter, and the love she poured into each of them will be treasured forever.
Denise was predeceased by her beloved sons Norman Goodchild and Christopher Savoyard; her granddaughter Tameka; her parents Louis Goodchild and Isabella Mendowgan; her brothers Dobey, Delaney, Bruce, and Basil; and her sisters Jessie and Mary.
She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband Norman Copenace Jr.; beloved daughter Alysia (Andrew “Tiny”); and her grandchildren Justin, Ashtyn, Tianna (Kevin), Zachary (Autumn), Lezayah (Dylan), Malikye, Isabella, Niisha, Brendan, Andyn, and Cassie.
Denise will also be lovingly remembered by her great-grandchildren Ayla, Ila, Delilah, Lev, Elody, Zendaya, Zayde, and her Bubbas, Baby Norman. She also held a special place for Paula Paypompee, her “plum.”
She is survived by her sisters Thelma and Esther, and her brother Roy; along with a large number of nieces, nephews, extended family, and loving friends.
Though Denise is no longer with us, her love, strength, laughter, and the memories she shared with her family will remain forever in their hearts. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren will carry with them the love she gave so freely—the feeling of being held close, cared for deeply, and reminded every day that they mattered.
Her big slobbery kisses, her loving heart, and the special way she made each of them feel loved will never be forgotten.
Traditional wake will take place at Nestor Falls Community Hall on Thursday, September 10, starting at 4:00 p.m. with a traditional service to follow the next day at 10:00 a.m. Elder will be Tommy Councillor.
Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.
