ROSIE (KA-TOKE) BOB

Mrs. Rosie Ka-toke Bob (nee Madden) passed away peacefully at La Verendrye Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. on Friday, Oct. 26, 2001.
She was born in 1915 in the Lake of the Woods area before making her home and raising her family on the Sabaskong Reserve near Nestor Falls, Ont.
She enjoyed seeing the birth of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews, and watching them grow up.
Ka-toke followed the Ojibway traditional and cultural way of life. She often talked about her early memories of the good life provided by the Creator, following the fishing, wild berry and wild rice, and hunting seasons.
She talked about her early years living the seasonal cycle of life on Lake of the Woods. Camping at traditional fishing stations in the spring, at historic garden islands and berry crop locations in summer, and the wild rice fields in the fall.
After the wild rice season, she described moving to Kakagi (Crow) Lake, about three miles north of Crow Portage, where her family would set up fall camp to prepare the bounty of the summer harvest as well as to hunt and fish for the winter’s subsistence.
Then just before Christmas after the lake safely froze up for travel, her family would move to Crow Portage, where Sabaskong Reserve is now located, and settle in for the winter. Springtime would see them starting the seasonal life cycle over again.
Her children were raised to the enjoyment of her traditional teachings, legends, and stories during the winter months by the light of the wood fire. She took great pride in sharing the traditional knowledge of love, honesty, kindness, and respect for all living things.
Ka-toke took great pleasure in playing cards and Bingo. She was a gifted artisan, creating intricate beadwork on leather moccasins, vests, and other crafts. She also etched art on birch bark scrolls, baskets, and other products, as well as producing colourfully-designed hooked rugs.
Ka-toke was predeceased by her parents, Rosalyn (Azshawazshiik) and John Madden; her brother and sister, Bobby Madden and Flossie Copenace; and her husband, James; her twin sons, Terry and Jerry; as well as a newborn baby.
Ka-toke is survived by her sons, Clifford (Anne, Megan, Erin, and Darryl), Delford (Darlene, Janet, and Junior), James, and Robert (Sheila, Sachena, Salena, Clayton, and Seyla); daughter, Roseanne Cowley (Jack, Rebecca, Michelle, and Wanda); sister, Maggie (Shawan) Copenace; and brother, John Madden (Wahsay).
She also is survived by special granddaughter, Margaret Bob and several great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews and other relatives.
Family and friends gathered at the gymnasium in Sabaskong on Monday, Oct. 29, 2001 for the wake, followed by traditional Ojibway Catholic services on Tuesday, Oct. 30, 2001 with Deacon Elmer Mainville officiating.
Honourary pallbearers were her nephews, Tony, Norman (Mike), Joseph, Tom, Bob, Ed, Gus, Tim, Milton, Henry, John, Norman, and Patrick Copenace, and Patrick Kelly Sr.
The eulogy was given by Tabasonakwut Kinew, whom Ka-toke had adopted in Ojibway traditions as a son.
Ka-toke was laid to rest at the Ojibways of Onegaming Cemetery.