With great sadness, the family announces the sudden passing of Eleanor Mae Jourdain, 40, of Couchiching First Nation, on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2016.
Eleanor was born April 8, 1976 to Elroy Jourdain and Theresa Jourdain (nee Kabestra) in Fort Frances, Ont.
Eleanor was known for her infectious and boisterous laugh and her care-free spirit. She made many different friends wherever she went. If you were trying to be in a bad mood, Eleanor inevitably could make you smile.
Eleanor was extremely proud of her son, Brandon. As his biggest cheerleader, she once chased down a stranger to get a copy of a picture taken when he caught his first fish. She travelled to his many away games and wasn’t shy to express her excitement.
As a child, Eleanor excelled in competitive gymnastics and travelled with the Fort Frances Viserettes. She grew up in Couchiching First Nation and loved to play with the neighbourhood kids, running in the fields, doing gymnastics, hopscotch, marbles, and playing tag until sundown.
In 2003, she became one of the first recruits of the Treaty #3 Police Service and served in her communities for three years—something her family was extremely proud of. She went on to continue her career of service working at various health facilities as a Personal Support Worker.
Her love of the outdoors, and fishing especially, led her to work at Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge, the Grace Anne II Luxury Yacht, and the Island View Lodge.
Her educational pursuits led Eleanor to complete the Police Foundations Diploma at Confederation College in Kenora, Ont., a certification in underwater welding at the National University Polytechnic Institute in San Diego, Calif., and a certificate in fine art bartending in Winnipeg, Man.
Her main hobbies were travelling and spending time fishing with her sister, Candace, near Kenora. It is here where Eleanor and Candace would reminisce on their time spent with their late father, who shared his love of the outdoors.
Eleanor will be greatly missed by her son, Brandon of Rainy River First Nation; her mother, Theresa Jourdain; and her seven siblings, Cynthia Jourdain, Candace Jourdain, Sherman Kabestra Sr. and Norman Mineault, all of Kenora, Ont., Melanie Montour and Jason Montour of Toronto, Ont., and Delores Jourdain-Edding of Thunder Bay, Ont.
She also is survived by her nieces, Nagweyaab, Seanna, Samantha, and Trinity; and nephew, Sherman Jr.
Eleanor was predeceased by her infant son, Justin Jr.; brothers, George Kabestra and Allan Burnham; and her father, Elroy Jourdain.
A traditional wake was held Friday, Nov. 25, 2016 at 5 p.m. at the Couchiching multi-use facility, followed by a traditional service on Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016 at 10 a.m., with Elder Gilbert Smith officiating.
Interment took place at the Couchiching First Nation Cemetery.
The pallbearers were Stewart Allen, Ray Sparks, Fabian Blackhawk, Ron Cobiness Jr., Guy Henry, and Daniel Martin.
The honourary pallbearers were Tara Hunter, Tina Leonard, Lynn Windego, Danica Medicine, Tricia Bombay, Kyla Savage, Susan Jones, Tina Kabestra, and Celina Blackhawk.
If desired, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice or to the Kindness Fund c/o Northridge Funeral Home, P.O. Box 89, Emo, Ont., P0W 1E0.
Online condolences may be offered at www.northridgefuneralhome.com
ELEANOR MAE JOURDAIN
