Pagonaygeeshegook

It is with great sadness that the family of Joanne Councillor (pagonaygeeshegook) announce her passing on Sunday, September 14, 2025, at her residence in Naicatchewenin First Nation.

Joanne was born May, 10 1970, in Fort Frances, Ont., to the late Rosie Snowball. She had lived all her life in Rainy River District. She enjoyed playing poker, watching hockey, loved powwows and her culture. She also loved listening to music and above all, she loved TikTok. She was a caring and thoughtful person who enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She loved her step “grandchildren” so much, they called her “kookum bug.”

Left to cherish her memory by all her family.
Also surviving are her siblings Allan Snowball Jr. (Kathleen), Alana Snowball and her sons (Joey and Jeremy), Ernie Snowball (Jara, Raiden, Kaylee).

She was predeceased by her parents Rosie Snowball and Allen Snowball Sr. (Step Father); grandparents Rennie Councillor and Agnes Councillor; her step-grandson William “ninum” Andrew Murray Smith.

A Traditional Wake will take place on Wednesday, September 24, starting at 4:00 p.m. at Naicatchewenin First Nation Gymnasium. A traditional funeral will follow on September 25 at 10:00 a.m. with interment at the Naicatchewenin First Nation Cemetery. Elder Gilbert Smith will officiate.

The pallbearers will be Nathaniel Councillor, Ryan Smith, Elijah Smith, Robert Morrison, Cliff Cook, Sean Councillor, Gary Smith and Dustin Chiefson.

The honourary pallbearers will be Heaven States, Rhonda Mose, Debbie Smith, and Doreen Smith.

The family says Miigwetch (thanks) to Elder Gilbert Smith for officiating the funeral, guidance and supporting for the family at this time. 

A big thank you to the ones that helped her at Naicatchewenin band office. 

 Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd., Emo, Ontario.