Roseanna Councillor, “Shebaanaakwetook” of the Washuzk (Muskrat) Clan, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Sept. 13, 2015 at Rainycrest Long-Term Care in Fort Frances, Ont.
She was born July 18, 1952 at Naicatchewenin First Nation, the eldest child of Louis and Rosie (McDonald) Cyr.
Roseanna spent her youth in her home community of Naicatchewenin and enjoyed everything about the area that held a special place in her heart.
The Anishinaabe culture and traditions were the pillars of her life, and she dedicated herself to sharing her knowledge and experiences with anyone who was interested in learning.
She always was ready with a smile or a little jab for those who were making their first attempts to speak the Ojibwe language, but she never stopped encouraging them as she realized that without people taking the time to learn, the culture would be lost.
She was gifted in this area, and always was patient and open to sharing with anyone who was willing to listen and learn.
Roseanna and her husband, Randy, raised their family together in the community of Naicatchewenin, along with the Fort Frances and Kenora areas. She and Randy considered themselves lifelong learners and actively were involved with helping people whenever they were able.
She worked at various places in the district and area, and most often it was tied very closely to her culture. She helped found the Morningstar detox facility at Lake of the Woods Hospital in Kenora, and served on various boards and committees.
She took great pride in being an active participant in the cultural aspect of her community and enjoyed the ceremonies associated with it. Recently, she had served as an Elder for Anishinawbe Mushkiki and for Gold Corp. Inc.
Roseanna always was willing to help people who needed it and she travelled far and wide to share her gifts, her culture, and her teachings. She held a special place in the hearts of those who knew her through this aspect of her life.
She also enjoyed pow-wows, the outdoors, her friends, and, of course, Bingo.
Her family always was close to her even when she was travelling. Regardless of where the road took her, she always followed it home.
Roseanna is survived by her children, Dean (Nancy), Randy Jr. (Cynthia), Susan (Jim), and Tracey (Jason); grandchildren, Sean (Jackie), Kimberly (Trevor), Jordan, Randi, Grayson, Jared (Chrissy), Cadence, Noah, Samantha, Aaron, Reese, Raistlin, Joshua, Ethan, Jason Jr., and Siovahn; and great-grandchildren, Calleigh, Chase, Tripp, Tristan, Amelia, and Niibin.
She also is survived by her sister, Marcella Cyr (Clarence Malcom), Raymond Cyr (special friend, Doreen Hunter), Russell Cyr (Sally Fox); and a large extended family.
Roseanna was predeceased by her parents, Louis and Rosie; husband, Randy; nephew, Jeff; and special friend, Norman Calder, along with numerous family members too many to be named.
A traditional wake will be held Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2015 at 7 p.m. at the Naicatchewenin First Nation gymnasium.
Traditional funeral services, presided over by Elder Billy Blackwell, will be held Thursday, Sept. 17, 2015 at 10 a.m. at the Naicatchewenin First Nation gymnasium, with interment to follow at the community cemetery.
The honourary pallbearers will be her family.
In lieu of flowers, if friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Heart and Stroke Foundation or any charity of your choice c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8.
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