Laurie Mary McDonald

(Sturgeon Clan)

It is with deep sadness that the McDonald family announces the passing of Laurie Mary McDonald, who suddenly began her journey to the Spirit World on November 9, 2025.

She was predeceased by her father David McDonald Sr., mother Alice Mary McDonald, grandfather Pete Savage and grandmother Mabel Savage, grandfather Cornelius McDonald and grandmother Jessie Paishk. Laurie’s daughters, Crystal Dawn and Georgina McDonald and by her sons, Baby boy McDonald and Fred Patton. Laurie’s brothers, David McDonald Jr., Rex MacDonald and Leonard McDonald, her sister Cornelia McDonald, nieces Samantha Scott and Tammy McDonald, nephews Jim Scott, Kingsley McDonald, Ryan MacDonald, cousins Ralph McDonald, Doug MacDonald, Jack McDonald, Jimmy Quewezance, Dolores McDonald, Jimmy Scott, Jessie Scott, Linda Kent, Debra Scott, Geraldine Scott, Rhonda Scott and Valerie Fisher.

Survived by her daughters Shannon (Mervyn) and Cheryl Harper, nieces Joni Williamson, Stephanie Scott, Wanda Cameron, Clara Cameron, Lakeisha Cameron, grandchildren Aiden McDonald, Jayden McDonald, Kaitlin MacDonald, Terrian, LillyAnn, Kamery Seymour, Kaden Knott, Connelly, Alita, Novarae, Talon, Tyson, Kaiya, Madden, Payton and Davidmayz and her great grandchildren Jolene, Tailia, Lyndale, sister Agnes MacDonald, nephews Jon McDonald, Ron McDonald, Ryan McDonald, Reman McDonald, Raini Williamson, Chris Scott, cousins Colleen Quewezance, Vincent Quewezance, Larry McDonald, Marvin McDonald, Mark Quewezance, Billy McDonald, Iris McDonald, Jessie McDonald, Yvonne McDonald, Emily Scott, Joyce Scott, Sandra Scott and Karen Taylor and Laurie’s auntie's, Margarette Quewezance, Mary Jane Scott and Aliza McDonald.

Laurie was born and raised in Wabaseemong First Nation and spent much of her earlier life in Minaki and along the Winnipeg River near Niisaachewan Ojibway First Nation. She loved the outdoors, living simply and was always surrounded by family, and had fond memories of snaring rabbits, fishing, and berry picking as part of her livelihood to help support her family.

Laurie was a devoted and loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. After the tragic loss of her daughter Georgina in 2020, Laurie dedicated herself to caring for her grandchildren full time in the best of her abilities as an elder. Laurie worked in community support services and was remembered for her role as a medical van driver in Niisaachewan, where she settled in 1993. And in her later years, she committed her services as an elder consultant for youth programs. Laurie was known for her kindness, wisdom, fun-loving nature, throughout the Treaty 3 area while attending local gatherings and events. On Laurie’s free time she also enjoyed playing cards, attending bingo, traveling to casinos, and listening to country music. She lived a balanced lifestyle respecting both the Chrisitan Faith and the Traditional Ojibway Culture Teachings. She was fluent in her Ojibway language and was proud.

She was deeply loved by her large family and community throughout Treaty 3 and will be sadly missed by many, including her biological and extended family, as well as special friends who supported her final arrangements, who are; Leeanne Cobiness, Shari Cowley, Melvina Cowley Tracey Cobiness, Talia Blackhawk, Fabian Blackhawk and Celina Blackhawk.

Finally, we wish to express our sincere appreciation to the leadership Niisaachewan Anishinaabe First Nation, Kenora Chiefs Advisory, LOWDH Ambulance Services, Treaty Three Police Services, Browns Funeral Home, Honorary Elder, Ronnie P. McDonald and the Brown Eagle Singers.

A wake service will be held at Dalles Community Hall on Friday, November 14, 2025, beginning at 1:00 pm. The funeral service is scheduled for Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 10:00 am, also at Dalles Community Hall with interment to follow at Lake of the Woods Cemetery in Kenora.