FLORENCE MARGARET FOY

After a courageous battle with cancer Florence Foy passed away at home surrounded by her loving family on the 16th of July, 2003.
Florence Foy was born Dec. 9, 1933 on the Little Eagle/Couchiching First Nation, at her grandparents’ home on Frog Creek.
She was the second of the nine children born to Bert and Frances Yerxa.
Florence attended Catholic boarding school from age six to fourteen. She learned her traditional ways such as trapping and harvesting wild rice from her parents and grandparents.
She met Aldin Foy Sr. in 1953 and they forged a partnership that lasted for over 50 years. Together they raised ten children.
Florence ad Aldin moved their family to Manitoba in the early seventies where they lived in the towns of Oak Lake, Harding and Rivers. They moved back to Couchiching First Nation in 1987.
Here she worked for the Couchiching Day Care centre.
Florence was a member of the board and worked for the United Native Friendship Centre until she was 65.
Florence was a respected elder and was often asked to open meetings for Native Organizations and Sharing Circles. Her hobbies include beadwork making tikinaagins and attending PowWows.
She loved spending time with children, grandchildren and greatgrandchildren and sharing traditional Anishinaabe stories and values with them.
Florence was predeceased by her parents Bert and Frances; brother, Bobby; sister, Beatrice; brothers-in-law, Vernon Perrault, Edward Kelly Sr., and Birdie Cantin; sister-in-law, Lorraine King; son-in-law, Elvis Smith; and great-grandson, Mason Foy.
She is survived by her loving husband, Aldin; sons, Aldin Jr.
(Jacie), William (Brenda), George (Kathy), Eric (Lisa), and Peter; daughters, Susan (Dalrey), Sharon (Dave), Shelly (Pierre), Maggie (Martin), and Tanya (Gerry); brothers, William (Florence, Wayne and Leo; sisters, Marilyn, Dorothy, and Joyce; 38 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
A wake will be held Friday evening July 18, at 7 p.m. at the Couchiching Bingo Palace with a traditional Catholic service on Saturday, July 19, at 11 a.m.
The service will be presided over by Elder Gilbert Smith and Deacon Elmer Mainville.
Pallbearers will be Rob Roy, Gary Foy, Richard Bird, Kyle Braun, Skye Hunter, Josh Kwan, and Michael Kerfoot.
Honourary pallbearers are all close friends and family members.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8 in honour of Florence Foy.