MARIA (MARY) LINKLATER

It is with great sadness and with loving memory that we, the Linklater family, announce the passing of our beloved family member, Maria Linklater.
Maria (Mary) Linklater, nee Desrosiers, of Couchiching First Nation, Ont., entered into rest on Tuesday, July 16, 2013 at Fort Frances, Ont. at the young age of 93.
Mary was born Feb. 29, 1920 at Regina Bay, Ont. Being born a Leap Year baby during those early years, her birth date was listed as March 1.
She was raised in Whitefish Bay, Ont. Since being married, she always has regarded Couchiching First Nation as home.
In her younger years, Mary worked as a cook and enjoyed helping out at tourist camps. Over her lifetime, Mary also had a passion for bead work, native crafts, and was keen on baking.
Everyone who knew Mary knew she possessed a great sense of humour, strength, wisdom, and guidance.
Having been the Leap Year baby she was, Mary stayed young at heart by cracking jokes and took delight in enjoying a good cup of hot tea. She cherished the time spent with family and got a kick out of watching her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren have fun.
She also took great pride in hearing the precious words, “I love you, Great-Gramma!”
Gramma adored her grandchildren and loved us with all her heart. Her undying love will not be forgotten by those close and dear to her. Mary is missed very much and holds a significant place in our hearts.
She was predeceased by her husband, Alphonse Linklater; son, Joseph Linklater; and granddaughters, Sasha Linklater and Emily Wayma.
Mary is survived by her sister, Christine Tom; two daughters, Freda Perry (Robert Perry) and Jackie Linklater (Calvin Bombay); and grandchildren, Larry Linklater (Helen Greene), Tabetha Linklater (Charlie Patenaude), Falcon Cameron (Waylon Gibbins), Wynter Tom (Conrad Wilson Sr.), Patrisha Linklater-Tom, Feather Friday (Donovan Jourdain), Espirit Friday (Yuma Kewakundo), Lantana Wind Dancer Linklater, Walter Linklater (Pauline Mishigad), Adam Linklater, Alphonse Wayman, Dale Talgoni, Scott Talgoni, and Robert Perry Jr.
Numerous nieces, nephews, and great-grandchildren also survive.
A traditional wake will be held Friday, July 19, 2013 beginning at 4 p.m. at the Couchiching multi-use facility.
Services also will take place Saturday, July 20, 2013 at 10 a.m. at the Couchiching multi-use facility, followed by a feast in celebration of Mary’s life.
Interment will take place in Our Lady of Lourdes Cemetery at Couchiching First Nation.
The pallbearers will be Larry Linklater, Farrell Desrosiers, Cal Bombay, Rob Adams, George Bruyere, and Val Perreault Jr.
The honourary pallbearers will be Ron Linklater, Vernon Linklater, Qwaylin Linklater, Nanabush Linklater, Damon Linklater, Lantana Wind Dancer Linklater, and Alphonse Linklater.
In memoriam donations may be made to a charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be offered at www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com