JOYCE KABATAY JOHNSON Ma Zini Kii Zhi Gook, Muskrat (Wazshusk) Clan

It is with heavy hearts that her family announces the loss of their dear mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Joyce was born on June 6, 1937 and passed away on May 1, 2017. She fought a courageous battle against her illness right until the end.
Her five adult children were by her side as they whispered in her ear, kissed her cheek, and held her hands when she took her last breath.
Joyce was an Ojibwe woman who loved her jingle dress dancing first, then her country/rock music next, and singing and dancing to her favourite live bands. She had numerous friends all over the country, mostly from her years of travelling and dancing at pow-wows.
She loved watching her Toronto Maple Leafs hockey games on TV.
Joyce also was known as the elder who opened with a traditional prayer and smudge for two memorial walks held in memory of missing and murdered indigenous women in Thunder Bay, Ont.
She was loved dearly by her family and her many friends; just as she adored everyone who crossed her path.
Joyce was predeceased by both of her parents, four brothers, and two sisters. She also was predeceased by her youngest daughter, Sandra Kaye Johnson; husband, John Johnson Jr.; and son, Sterling Johnson.
She is survived by her eldest son, Ira (fiancée Tanya), and other son, Conrad; eldest daughter, Gloria (Walden), and two other daughters, Marcella and Sharon; grandchildren, Curtis, Kevin, Candace, Christopher, and Derek; and great-grandchildren, Jade, Dakota, and Madison.  
Joyce also is survived by her eldest sister, Liza Shebagegit (Tom), and her brother, Robert Kabatay.
The honourary pallbearers were chosen by family at the traditional service on the Seine River First Nation.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com