Esther Lewis

Pay ba ma shiik

Ashaagi Dotem

April 6, 1947 - December 6, 2011

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, wife, kookum, great-grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and elder at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital on December 6, 2011.

Esther has gone home to be with her children: twins, Wilfred Jr. and Arnold Lewis; her parents Arnold and Margaret Mandamin; her sister Delores Mandamin; brother Albert Mandamin Sr.; and niece Cheryl Redsky.

Esther will be lovingly remembered and greatly missed by her spouse George Hagar; children: Elaine Redsky (Shaun), Gerald Lewis (Celina), Mark Mandamin, Eric Lewis and Serena Joseph (Cal; sisters: Colleen Mandamin, and Linda Mandamin; and by her brother Eric Mandamin.

Also left to mourn are her grandchildren: Sherri, Amelia, Darcy, Summer Dawn, Derian, Taylor, Callie and Evan. Great grandchildren: Makara, Kaydence and Selena. Nieces and nephews: Laverna, Corrina, Vivian, Bernice, Albert Jr., Barry, Farrell, Harvey, Ron, Sandra, Janelle, Charlene (Jason), Jamie, Gena (Ian), Shauna (Clay), Shaun, Jim and Elizabeth. As well as many great nieces, nephews, cousins and friends too numerous to name.

Esther was born and raised in Shoal Lake 39. She was the eldest girl of six children. Very early on in life she learned great work ethic. Growing up, manual labour was an every day reality that she embraced and never complained about. This was a quality she held with her until the very end, as she never complained about her illnesses and never let it get her down – she was known as the “Rock”. She took pleasure in the simple things and always appreciated everything and everyone in her life.

Esther will be remembered as a kind, gentle and sweet lady who had a great sense of humour. She always put others before herself and ensured others' needs were taken care of before her own. She was always quick to volunteer at community events and gatherings whether that included cooking, serving, cleaning or supporting others in their time of need.

She held her traditional values and beliefs close and recognized the importance of passing on her traditional knowledge to her children and took them to ceremonies early in their lives. She loved to share stories and talk about the old days which she held near and dear to her heart. She always looked forward to the annual pow-wow and the fall harvest – both of which were opportunities to gather with loved ones and engage in laughter.

Most of all, Esther enjoyed spending

time with family and friends.

Favourite pastimes included;

crossword puzzles, bingo, cards,

pow-wows, and watching her soaps.

She was a big fan of Elvis and was the

owner of numerous memorabilia.

She also enjoyed casino, yard sales and

chinese food. Esther was never one to

waste anything and didn’t have the

heart to throw anything out - so much

so you could find anything from an

eight track player to a television from

the 70’s in her room - everything was

of value and held a story from her history.

She had beautiful spirit and loving nature about her. She inspired everyone that knew her to be kind and strong.

Special thanks and appreciation to the Doctors and Nurses of Lake of the Woods District Hospital, Iskatewizaagegan No. 39 Leadership, First Responders: Shauna Mandamin, Gena Mandamin, and Christina Mandamin. Gitchi Miigwetch to all those that have provided emotional support to our family during our time of grief and loss.

A Wake is being held to celebrate Esther’s life on Friday, December 9, 2011

at 10:00 a.m. at the David Kejick School, Shoal Lake 39,Ontario. A Traditional Funeral service and burial will follow on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at

10:00 am.

We are sad to see you go but grateful you are now reunited with loved ones,

particularly with your children and free of pain from the complications of diabetes. We are truly blessed to have known and loved you. We feel really lucky to have been able to call you hun, mom, kookum and our dearest Esther. You touched so many lives and will live on in our hearts forever.

Online condolences may be made at

www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com