LILLIAN REBECCA ‘RUBY’ BOSHEY (Zaagimaawajiwebiik Bizhew)

Lillian Boshey, 71, of Lac La Croix First Nation, Ont., passed away Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016 in Duluth, Mn. surrounded by her family.
She was born Oct. 27, 1944 in Lac La Croix First Nation. She grew up in Lac La Croix and was united in marriage to John Boshey on Sept. 20, 1961.
Together, they settled in the Lake Vermillion Reservation. They made many close friends and held close bonds with family there.
After John’s passing, she travelled back and forth between Lac La Croix and Lake Vermillion, enjoying her time in both communities.
Lillian was one of the first indigenous women to earn a Bachelor of Education degree from Lac La Croix. She served as a positive role model for many of the community members as she taught them in the Lac La Croix School.
Lillian loved to teach and was instrumental is starting the “Head Start” program in Tower, Mn.
She also loved laughter, telling stores, and her family.
Ruby leaves behind her son, Stacey and wife, Sue Boshey; daughter, Rosalind and husband, Gerry Jenkins; grandchildren, Trevor, Trisha, Kallie, Amy, Andrea, Davin, Dana, and Cole; and 11 great-grandchildren.
She also is survived by her siblings, Steve Jourdain (Iris), Josephine Atatise, Nora Jourdain (Jim Atatise), Angus (Janice) Jourdain, Leon Jourdain, Gordon Jourdain (Michelle), Lawrence Jourdain (Patricia McKay), and Andrew Jourdain (Charlene Smith); as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Ruby was predeceased by her parents, Andrew and Mary Jourdain; husband, John Boshey; and siblings, Paul, Norman, Isobel, and Joan Marie Jourdain.
A traditional funeral service was held Monday, Oct. 17, 2016 at Lac La Croix First Nation.
If friends so desire, in memorial donations may be made to breast cancer research c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com