NINA GERTRUDE WINDEGO (Waa-naan-qua-dook)

It is with great sadness we announce the sudden passing of our dear wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Nina Gertrude Windego (Councillor), 75, of 126 Fifth St. E., Fort Frances, Ont. and formerly of Nicickousemenecaning First Nation, Ont., on Saturday, April 11, 2009 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances with her loving family by her side.
Nina (Waa-naan-qua-dook) was born Feb. 12, 1934 at Naicatchewenin First Nation to the late Charlie Councillor of Naicatchewenin First Nation and Ruby Cyr of Manitou Rapids First Nation.
She was predeceased by her brothers, Ed Councillor, Sha-waan-nay-tong, and Naan-naw-gaa-see-gay; and her special sisters, Mary Smith and Delia Dale.
Nina also was predeceased by her daughters-in-law, Charlene Windego and Linda Shebagegit, along with infant son, Kevin Jonathon Shebagegit.
Nina and Jim Windego were united in marriage on July 25, 1956.
Mom enjoyed sewing regalia, moccasins, and beading for her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and anyone who asked. She loved attending Pow-Wows and playing bingo, and was getting to be quite the Texas Hold ’em player.
Mom also loved family gatherings, cooking, and was always there whenever her family needed her help cooking her special soup that we called “biishquaginaboob.”
Mom really enjoyed spending time with her late sister, Mary Smith, when she was still with us. They loved eating all kinds of traditional foods and just speaking their language, talking about the old days.
The most important thing to Mom was always her family.
Nina is survived by her husband of 52 years, Jim Windigo of Nicickousemenecaning First Nation; sister in-law, Elizabeth Brown of Manitou Rapids First Nation.; and her 12 children, Charles Windego (Sandra), Beatrice Angeconeb, and Clayton Windego ( Jackie), all of Nicickousemenecaning First Nation, Dennis Windego (Ellen) of Thunder Bay, Gail Windego of Nicickousemenecaning First Nation, Jim Windego Jr. of Sioux Lookout, Louann Windego (Arthur Gesic) of Fort Frances, Garry Windego (Kathy) of Nicickousemenecaning First Nation, Diane Windego of Kenora, Verna Windego and William Windego (Florence), all of Fort Frances, and Brad Windego (Sherrise) of Big Grassy First Nation.
Also surviving are her grandchildren, Charity, Angela, Joseph, Kristen, Krystal, Charles Jr., Emily, Christian, Lynn Marie, Jeremiah, Jade, Sarah, Clayton (Beef), Tim, Tara, Tyler, Rocky, Chantelle, Taylor, Alyssa, Kelsey, Vincent, Peter, Jamie, Johnathan, Landyn, Allison, Nolan, Ryan, Milton, Dante, Ethan, Laura, Denise, Shayla, Christopher, Melissa, Brandon, Kayla, Shana, and Savannah; and 25 great-grandchildren.
She also is survived by nieces and nephews of Naicatchewenin First Nation, Elsie Green (Richard), Liza Smith (Fred), Alice Smith (Gerald), Louise Morrisseau, Lorraine Smith (Tommy), Florence Yerxa (Willie), Gilbert Smith (Delia), and Wayne Smith (Colleen); as well as her special friends, Annie Bruyere, Annie McGinnis, and Mary B. Smith.
At the request of our mom, a wake will be held at the Naicatchewenin First Nation Community Hall in the evening on Tuesday, April 14, 2009.
A traditional burial by Naicatchewenin First Nation will be held Wednesday, April 15, 2009 in the morning at the Naicatchewenin First Nation Community Hall, with burial to follow at the Naicatchewenin First Nation Cemetery.
The pallbearers will be Vernon (Nug) Yerxa, Clayton (Beef) Windigo, Joe Bruyere, Jade Windego, Rob Stanley, Jeremiah Windego, Nolan Windego, and Sheldon Kelly.
The honorary pallbearers will be Mary B. Smith, Annie McGinnis, Nancy Jones, Marie Allen, Annie Bruyere, and Delia Smith.
If family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
Online condolence may be offered at www.mem.com