It is with deep sorrow that the family of Corrine Kelly announces her passing on November 24, 2025, at the age of 86, at LaVerendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ontario. Just a short 10 days after her daughter Amy Kelly’s unexpected passing, Corrine passed away peacefully, surrounded by family and so much love all around her.
Corrine was born in Whitefish Bay First Nation on December 10, 1938, to Paddy Herbert and Margaurite Herbert (nee Roy). Her Ojibway name was Ogabegiizhigook and she proudly came from the Elk Clan (Oomashkooz dotem).
Corrine was raised along the shores of Dry Berry Lake and often reminisced of her upbringing. She said living off the land was one of the best times of her life. She and her siblings would make a game out of everything and had so much fun together. During the summer time, she and her siblings would pick berries, harvest wildrice and weave rugs and baskets. During the winter months, they would snare rabbits and make boots, gloves and blankets and play an old Ojibway game called Shooshimon. She also shared a deep connection to her horses as a young girl.
Later in life in 1955, she met the love of her life, her late husband Jim H. Kelly Sr., and they eventually went on to unite their marriage in front of God on February 3, 1957. It was then they started their life together in Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation, where she would call home and raise their children and grandchildren.
Corrine was devoted to her Catholic faith and always prayed for everyone. People would go to her and ask for prayers and she would gladly pray for those who needed it. Corrine was so special in that way.
Corrine is now reunited with her husband Jim H. Kelly Sr; her parents Paddy and Margaurite Herbert (nee Roy); her grandparents Hereditary Chief Bob Roy and Bella Roy (nee Moar), and Arthur Herbert and Annie Bird; siblings Albert Herbert Sr (Nwiminaa’), Mary “Josie” Kipling (Zaazaa), Evelyn Copenace and Clara Ann Jack (Calala); children Pam Copenace, Amy Kelly, infant children Connie, Clyde and Rick Kelly; grandchildren Gus “Mork” Copenace Jr., Rick Copenace, Lawrence Kelly Jr., Cher Cowley and great-grandchildren Cora Mandamin-Copenace and Matthew Kelly.
Corrine leaves behind her children Lawrence Kelly Sr. (Brenda), Harry Kelly (Leona), Susan Kelly, James Kelly Jr. (Nancy), Lisa Kelly (Hazhu), Janice Kelly and Loretta Kelly (Jerome); her sons-in-law Gus Copenace Sr. and Lil Joe Letander; and nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren too numerous to name.
The family would like to extend their thanks to the doctors and nurses at La Verendrye General Hospital, the doctors and nurses at Emo Health Centre who loved and cared for her, Anita Copenace for saying a prayer with Corrine before she took her last breath, Northridge Funeral Home, Ojibways of Onigaming Health Services, and everyone who showed love and compassion to our beloved mother and grandmother.
A wake was held on Friday, November 28, 2025, at 2 p.m. at Nestor Falls Hall followed by a Catholic Funeral service on Saturday, November 29, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Thomas Mullamangalam officiating. Cremation to follow.
Pallbearers will be her beloved grandsons Brennen Kelly, Terrence Kelly, Merlin Kelly, Zachary Slusarcyk, Vaughan Wilson, Jonah Kelly, Kyle Copenace, Shawn Kelly, John Brand, Miles Kelly, Ryan Fisher and Shawn Makinson.
