Matilda "Gonasheek" Blackhead

March 11th, 1947 - December 29th, 2023

Sadly, on December 29, 2023, our beloved mother, sister, and aunt Matilda Blackhead (nee Bird), also known as “Gonasheek” passed away. She was 76 years old.

Matilda is predeceased by her parents Julias and Alice Bird, her sisters; Gloria, Helen, Geraldine, Esther, brothers; Stanley and Douglas, her husband Jack Blackhead JR and later her life partner Andrew Ketchum, her son James, her granddaughter Carrie, and her nephews Dennis Sandy, Gerald Jack, and Peter Griffiths.

She leaves behind to mourn her baby brother Peter, brother in-law Ken Sandy, her daughters Sandra and Sheila, her nieces; Geraldine (Earl), Diane (Moe), Shelly (Mike), Laurie (Richard), Rhonda (Gary), Barbara (Rob), Lynn (Clay). Nephews, Dennis (Donnaleen), Darrell (Lori) and Bob (his late wife, Helen).

She also leaves behind her grandchildren and great grandchildren, many great nieces and nephews, too many to mention.

Matilda “Gonasheek” lived in Northwest Angle #37, and later moved to Northwest Angle #33B with her husband Jackie. They resided there until his passing in 1986. She then relocated to Kenora where she met her life partner Andy Ketchum.

Matilda lived a hard life on the streets of Kenora where she became well known by many people. Everyone in the community helped look after her by offering her their pocket change, clothing and food, even though she didn’t have much she was also very giving. She loved to joke around and make people laugh and she was the politest person you would ever meet. Despite her life on the streets, she was a happy and content woman, she showed us that God does indeed provide, she was never without food or warmth.

Her hobbies were beading, sewing, walking around and reading, as far back as we can remember, she loved reading Archie comic books. In her earlier years she enjoyed fishing and picking wild rice.

A Christian funeral service will be held at Brown Funeral Home & Cremation Centre on Thursday January 4th, 2024. Viewing will take place from 12:00pm to 2:00pm, and service will follow at 2:00pm with Pastor Frank Kowal officiating. Matilda will be cremated and will be laid to rest beside her sister Geraldine Sandy at a later date.

The family would like to thank Super 8 hotel staff, Northwest Angle #37, Northwest Angle #33, Rebecca Fox, Tyson Scott and those who came to visit our uncle Peter.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Blackhead family.