It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, and sister, Annie Lucy (“Kekaat”) Bruyere.
She passed away peacefully on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2010 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre with her family by her side.
Annie was born April 18, 1945 at Rainy Lake, Ont. to the late Bruno and Florence Councillor. In her earlier years, she worked at many tourist camps in the area.
She met the love of her life, Kenneth Bruyere, and they were united in marriage on Oct. 30, 1976. Together they raised their family.
Annie was well-known for her bannock she prepared and served at her canteen at many pow-wows in the Treaty #3 area. She had a close relationship with her family, especially with her nieces, and spent time each day conversing with them on the phone.
She also enjoyed cooking, playing Bingo with family and friends, and listening to country music, especially Johnny Cash.
Annie will be dearly missed by everyone.
She was predeceased by her husband, Kenneth Bruyere in 2008; three sisters, Betty Prince, Sally Smith, and Jean Smith; and two brothers, Gerald and George Johnson.
Annie is survived by her four children, Louella Bruyere (Harold Big George) of Couchiching First Nation, Ont.; Elton and Clinton Bruyere, both of Couchiching First Nation, Ont.; and Arleigh Bruyere of Yorkton, Sask.; and three grandchildren, Kelly, Tyler, and Heather Big George.
Also surviving are two brothers, Louis Johnson-Councillor (Ernestine Johnson) and Tommy Johnson-Councillor (Reta), all of Northwest Bay First Nation, Ont.; one sister, Mary Smith of Northwest Bay First Nation, Ont.; brother-in-law, Gerald Bruyere of Couchiching First Nation, Ont.; sister-in-law, Shirley M. Bruyere of Couchiching First Nation, Ont.; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate Annie’s life will be held Thursday, Jan. 21, 2010 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Couchiching First Nation, with Fr. Joseph Marattil officiating.
Interment will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery at a later date.
The honourary pallbearers will be Melvina Morrisseau, Bessie Mainville, Doris Caribou, Jane Councillor, Norma Smith, Ernestine Johnson, Reta Johnson-Councillor, and Lorraine Smith.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 501-200 South Syndicate Ave., Thunder Bay, Ont., P7E 1C9 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
