Betty DeBungie, lovingly known as Laura DeBungie, of 122 South Cumberland, Thunder Bay, Ont., passed away peacefully on May 25, 2005 with family by her side at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.
She was born July 29, 1938 in Littlefork, Mn. to Annie and William McGinnis. Betty spent her early years in Emo, Ont., where she met her husband, Jack, and together they raised eight children.
In 1975, she relocated to Thunder Bay and continued to care for children by working as a crossing guard and acting as a foster parent for several years.
In her spare time, she enjoyed travelling and attending cultural events throughout Canada and the United States. Betty also enjoyed playing Bingo with her favourite friends.
She was known to have a great sense of humour. Never complaining, Betty taught us all to live for the moment and to appreciate each day with a breath of fresh air.
Laura was predeceased by her husband, Jack; daughters, Debbie and Marlene; son, Billy and a newborn son; sisters, Lizzie and Alice; and brother, Ron.
She is survived by her children, Wayne (Rose) and their sons, Richard (Luella) and their daughter, Kaira, Dennis (Dana) and their son, Nii May, and Travis; Theresa (Blair) and their children, Averia and her children, Devon and Kaydin, Vergal, and Corey; Bradley (Paula) and their children, Kyle, Jesse, Waylon, and Carla (Roger) and their daughter, Hannah; and Candace (Rocky Kelly) and their daughters, Le Maya and Stacey.
Also surviving are her sister, Mary Natawance of Stanjikoming First Nation, Ont.; brothers, Willie (June) McGinnis of Winnipeg, Man., Robert McGinnis of Toronto, Ont., and Norman McGinnis of Fort Frances, Ont.; step-sister, Jean Anderson of Fort Frances, Ont.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
A wake was held Sunday, May 29, 2005 at 4 p.m. at the Rainy River First Nations gymnasium.
A traditional service was held Monday, May 30, 2005 at 10 a.m. at the Rainy River First Nations gymnasium, with Elder Anna Gibbs from Ponemah, Mn. officiating.
Interment took place at the Manitou Rapids Cemetery in Rainy River First Nations, Ont.
The pallbearers were James Henderson, Brian Wayash, Zack Councillor, Tom Mason, Richard DeBungie, and Wesley DeBungie.
The honourary pallbearers were Joe Shebagegit, Morris Shebagegit, Tom Shebagegit, David DeBungie, Peter DeBungie, and Elvis DeBungie.
Many thanks and gratitude to TBRHSC staff, nurses, and doctors, the Renal Department, Dr. Watson, Dr. McCready, Tamarak House, and H.A.G.I. transit personnel and volunteers.
In lieu of flowers, in memoriam donations may be made to the Kidney Foundation of Canada, Box 807, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3N1.
Fort Frances Times
Local News from Across the Rainy River District
