HELEN GERMAINE ‘OHPWAYDUMOOK’ MORRISON

Helen Germaine “Ohpwaydumook” Morrison, 65, of Nicickousemenecaning First Nation, passed away Sunday, Dec. 15, 2002 in Thunder Bay, Ont. She was born April 7, 1937 in Rainy River, Ont.
Helen spent all of her life residing in the Rainy Lake area. In her earlier years, Helen resided in Naicatchewenin and Stanjikoming First Nations, and was very committed to maintaining that connection for herself and her children.
Upon her marriage, Nicickousemenecaning became the community where she and Dad raised their 11 children, and were visited often by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Helen worked in various capacities such as logging, trapping, ricing, working at Nanicost, and on the Hydro lines. Over the years, Helen found great pride and enjoyment in her arts and crafts, quilt making, shopping, and her soaps.
Helen also was a very gifted story-teller. Her warm laughter and humour drew people near to her from all walks of life.
For those who were fortunate enough to be her descendants, memories of humorous nicknames and special little songs will be forever cherished. The playful and happy sounds of Mom jigging, singing, or cooking as we woke in the mornings will be clear in our hearts forever.
We carry many fond recollections of Mom and Dad talking and giggling in their special way and in their quiet moments.
We are very grateful that Mom shared the language and cultural teachings with us and others. Mom found her greatest source of strength and pleasure in her husband of 47 years; her sister; and in her children and their families.
Mom, you will be sadly missed, your memories treasured, and you will be forever in our hearts.
Helen was united in marriage on May 19, 1956 to Bill Morrison, who survives along with 11 children, Kelvin (Barb) of Kettle Point, Ont., Ernie (Diane) of Red Gut Bay First Nation, Dennis (Diane), Richard, and Marilyn (Carlos), all of Winnipeg, Man., Darlene (Nick) of Red Gut Bay First Nation, Lucille of Winnipeg, Man., Larry of Kenora, Ont., Kenny of Red Gut Bay First Nation, Dwayne (Olivia) of Kenora, Ont., and Jennifer of Winnipeg, Man.
Also surviving are 24 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one sister, Rosie Cyr of Northwest Bay First Nation; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by her parents, Charles and Awaybeek McDonald; great-grandson, Pinay-she Morrison; two brothers, Alphonse and Paul Smith; and sister, Florence McDonald.
A traditional service will be held Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002 in the morning at the Nicickousemenecaning First Nation Gymnasium. Elder Clifford Skead will officiate, with interment in the Nicickousemenecaning First Nation Cemetery.
A funeral wake will be held Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002 from 3 p.m. at the Nicickousemenecaning First Nation Gymnasium.
Pallbearers will be Dennis Jones, Clarence Johnson, Rene Pitremont, Roger Allan, Wayne Smith, and Randy Councillor Jr.
Honourary pallbearers will be Jay Morrison, Nina Windego, Millie Bruyere, Bessie Mainville, Joan Mainville, Marie Allen, and Don Jones.
In memoriam donations may be made to Riverside Foundation Dialysis Unit, 100 Victoria Ave., Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 2B7.