Donna Gail Paypompee

Meminwandagaashiik (Gaashiik)

Makwa Dodem

May 29, 1964-August 3, 2026

Gaashiik passed away peacefully, surrounded by the love and comfort of her family. She is lovingly reunited with her parents, Isaac and Agnes Paypompee; her brothers Thomas Paypompee jr., Lambert Kavanaugh, and Lambert Kavanaugh, her sisters, Mavis Paypompee, Clara Namaypoke, Cecilia Kelly, Lorna Crow and Vivian Kavanaugh; and her nephews, Kelvin Kavanaugh, Kevin Shibish, Bruce Kavanaugh Jr., Dayton Kavanaugh, Nazareth Kwandibens, Lavern Kavanaugh, and Cody Crow.

Gaashiik leaves behind a family who loved her deeply and will carry her memory always: her brothers Francis (Betty) Kavanaugh, Don Kavanaugh, Bruce Kavanaugh, Terry (Debbie) Paypompee, Negig Paypompee (Anne Fairbrother), and Amos Paypompee (Barb Kejick); her sisters Luanne Kavanaugh, Rosanne Kavanaugh, Yvonne Paypompee, and Maria Martin; numerous nieces and nephews far too many to mention; and many dear friends at Wiigwas Elder and Senior Centre.

Known with love as “Big Auntie” by her nieces and nephews, Gaashiik brought warmth, laughter, and joy wherever she went. She was always ready for a visit, always quick to share a laugh, and always able to brighten the room with her presence. The sound of her big laugh, the comfort of her quiet company, and the memories made with her will be treasured by her family forever. There was truly never a dull moment with Gaashiik.

Gaashiik loved listening to music and completing puzzles, going through find or seek a words, finding joy in the simple moments that brought people together. Her spirit, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

The family would like to thank Lake of the Woods District Hospital, Wiigwas Senior and Elder Centre, Naotkamegwanning FN, Shawendaawsowin, Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre, and Chris Fadden.

Traditional Wake will start at 2pm Sunday, August 9, 2026, and Traditional Funeral will begin at 10am Monday, August 10th, at The Peshigoneb Centre in Naotkamegwanning First Nation, officiated by Randel Bird, with the burial to follow.

Pallbearers are Gaashiik’s nephews Lester Kavanaugh, Mahengun and Beemus Goodsky, Rudger Kavanaugh, Jesse and Shane Paypompee, Harley Grover, Jason and Mason Paypompee, Elijah Kavanaugh, Myles Kavanaugh, Bryce and Amos Kejick, Rowmen and Tam Namaypoke, Kirby and Brian Paul, Aaron Kelly, and Jason Paypompee.