Bessie Atatise

It is with great sadness that the family of Bessie Atatise announces the passing on Saturday June 16, 2018 at Rainycrest Long Term Care.

She was born on November 23, 1933 in Lac La Croix First Nation to George and Elizabeth Ottertail. She grew up in Lac La Croix and lived there most of her life. She was united in marriage to Bob Atatise on March 14, 1956 and together they raised 11 children. Her family was her life, nothing gave her more joy than being with them. She always said that her “best” job was raising her family.

Bessie enjoyed sewing, beading, blueberry picking, cooking and telling stories. She loved to dance, especially at Pow Wows and square dances. Bessie worked with Lands and Forests as a pelt tagger and later as a laundress with Handberg’s camp.

She leaves behind her children Gladys Geyshick (Norm), Audrey Brown, Robert Atatise (Debbie), Rick Atatise (Peggy), Priscilla Tateece (Rod), Phyllis Pierson (Wayne), Brian Atatise (Manon), Doreen Skinaway (Mark) and Rolland Atatise; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and great great grandchildren; sister Roma Whitefish (Clifford) and brother Albert Ottertail as well as several nieces and nephews.

Bessie was predeceased by her husband Bob; parents George and Elizabeth; sons Ryan and Lester Atatise and granddaughters Danielle and Adrienne Brown.

A traditional wake will be held on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 at 1 p.m. at the Atatise Family Home in Lac La Croix First Nation. Mr. Gilbert Smith will officiate at the traditional service on Thursday, June 21, 2018 at the Atatise Family Home.

The pallbearers will be Bessie’s family and friends.

If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Alzheimer’s Society, c/o Green Funeral Home, Box 427, 600 Reid Avenue, Fort Frances, Ontario, P9A 3M8.