Margaret Kabatay (“Zhawanabiik”), 80, of Seine River First Nation, Ont., passed away at her home on Thursday, Nov. 10, 2011.
She was born July 6, 1931 at Frog Creek, Couchiching First Nation, Ont., to the late Ben and Madeline Johnson.
Margaret grew up at Couchiching First Nation and at Seine River First Nation. At the age of 21, she was united in marriage to Ray Kabatay and together they raised their family.
Margaret loved the outdoors and family gatherings. At home, she enjoyed working on puzzles, listening to music, and watching Coronation Street on television.
When it came to sports, she was an avid hockey fan and loved the Toronto Maple Leafs. She also loved baseball and was a Blue Jays’ fan, never missing any of her games.
She was predeceased by her husband, Ray Kabatay; two daughters, Wanda Kabatay and June Kabatay; one sister, Louise Jim; and one brother, Jack Johnson.
Margaret is survived by her seven children, Sara Geyshick (Art Sr.), Geraldine Potson, Linda Oshawee (Mike), Glenda Potson, Randolph Kabatay (Frances), Karen Kabatay (Ted), and John Kabatay, all of Seine River First Nation, Ont.
She also is survived by numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Agnes Spencer (George) and Virginia Kabatay, all of Seine River First Nation, Ont.; one sister-in-law, Agnes Kabatay of Mitanjiganiing; and numerous nieces and nephews.
A wake was held on Sunday evening, Nov. 13, 2011, at the family residence in Seine River First Nation.
Funeral services were held Monday, Nov. 14, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Our Lady of Lourdes Church at Couchiching First Nation, with Fr. Francis Pudicherry officiating.
Cremation took place at Rainy River Cremation Services in International Falls, Mn.
Interment will take place in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery in Couchiching First Nation, Ontario at a later date.
The pallbearers were Stacy Kabatay, Jonathan Potson, Lance Kabatay, Ryan Potson, Dennis Johnson, Terry Potson, John Kabatay Jr., and Gerald Johnson.
The honourary pallbearers were Ted Menson, Mike Kabatay, Art Geyshick Sr., Steve Spencer, George Spencer, and Myron Johnson.
Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to either the Canadian Diabetes Association or the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Ontario c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com
Fort Frances Times
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