It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that the family of Patricia Jurivee (nee Mainville) of Couchiching First Nation announce her sudden passing at the young age of 69 on Saturday, Aug. 3 at La Verendrye Hospital.
She passed peacefully after her valiant battle with illness and was surrounded by her loving family and friends.
Patricia was predeceased by her parents, Betty and Walter, as well as her beloved daughter, Tammy Lyon, sister, Diana and brother, Dale.
She leaves behind her much loved son, Adam Lyon, and her soulmate husband, Thomas. She is also survived by sisters, Debbie and Angela; brothers, Dennis, John and Richard; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces.
Patricia grew up on Couchiching First Nation, living with her grandparents and enjoyed life fully during this time. She later moved to International Falls, Chicago and finally back to International Falls.
It is there that she met her husband Tom and move back to Fort Frances with him.
Due to her husband’s work, they moved to Kenora in 1989 and this led to an exciting and accomplished new opportunity for Patricia.
She decided to return to school in spite of age, working hard to graduate near the top of her class in the Social Services Program at Confederation College.
Upon graduating, she became a highly respected counsellor at Clarrisa Manor Women’s Recovery Home until the family moved to Thunder Bay in 1993 to pursue new opportunities.
Patricia’s career flourished and excelled there as she started a position of counsellor at Beendigen Women’s Crisis Shelter. She quickly worked her way up to executive director of the organization until her retirement in 2013.
Among her many accomplishments before retiring were creating a new and modern facility for Beendigen, establishing a housing program for clients, creating a call help line for abused women in Northwestern Ontario and appearing in both Parliament and the Ontario Legislature fighting for the rights of indigenous women.
In 2014, Patricia was selected as one of the forty most influential feminists in Northwestern Ontario and was featured in a book reflecting this honour.
The family moved back to Couchiching in 2016 upon her husband’s retirement bringing their journey together full circle. At this time, Patricia devoted much of her time rediscovering her faith. A regular member of Our Lady Of Lourdes Church, Patricia became an active member of the Catholic Women’s League.
Her faith was very important to her and provided peace and solace during her illness.
The active pallbearers were Danny Mainville, Blake Mainville, Shane Guimond, Josh Wright, Glenn Warner, Peter Shadboldt, while honourary pallbearers were Colleen Perreault, Kathy Perreault, Marcella Mainville, Myra Mainville, Ella Andra Warner, and Leona Shadboldt.
Funeral services were held at Our Lady Of Lourdes Church on Aug. 7 and interment was at Forest Hills Cemetery on Aug. 20.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Our Lady of Lourdes Church or The Canadian Cancer Society.
Patricia wanted everyone to honour her life, not dwell on her death.
The world is definitely a less kind place now with the loss of her kind eyes and smile that could light up a room.
That is what Patricia wants you to remember.
PATRICIA JURIVEE (MAINVILLE) Oct. 1949-Aug. 2019
