Claudia Joan Agecoutay

acâhkos kâ-âhtohtêt

“Star that moves from one place to another”

Tansi, friends and family,

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of our mother, Claudia Joan Agecoutay, of Cowessess First Nation. Claudia was 72 years young when the Creator called her home on Monday, August 17, 2026. She passed away peacefully in her home.

Claudia was predeceased by her father Isidore Agecoutay and her mother Mary Agecoutay (née Lerat); brothers: Victor Lerat-Redwood, Richard “Tappi” Lerat and Joseph Isadore Agecoutay and her sisters Geraldine “Geri” Swaan and Brenda Szmigielski.

She is survived by her siblings: Curtis, Chester, Raymond “Bunny,” Eileen and Corrine. Claudia is also survived by her children, whom she loved very much: Gina, Jackie and Creeson and his wife, Tessa; and her grandchildren: Jade, Darian, Josh, Rylan, Suri and Cloud, whom she was very proud of. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Stan, Meya, Maiya and Romello and her beloved doggies Chubs and Foxy, who were very special to her.

Our Mom was a strong First Nations woman who spoke from years of experience and was never afraid to use her voice when it was necessary. She believed deeply in what was right and just and was committed to the betterment of our Cowessess and Zagime people.

Claudia earned a degree in Indigenous Studies. She owned her first home at just 19 years old. Throughout her career, she worked with the FSIN, the Cowessess Community Education Centre, the Cowessess First Nation Band Office and the Zagime Anishinabek Band Office. After retiring, she spent her remaining years peacefully in her home, on her own terms.

We sincerely thank all of our friends, family, and community members who have sent their condolences, prayers and messages of support. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to the Cowessess First Nation Chief and Council for assisting our family through this difficult time.

Mom, we will miss you dearly. We find comfort in knowing that you are now reunited with your mom and dad, your sister Geri and all of our ancestors in the beautiful hunting lands.

We love you forever, Mom. Until we meet again. ❤️

A personal wake will be held in Grandma Mary’s home at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, August 21, 2026, at House #106, near the store.

The funeral service will be held in the Cowessess Community Hall at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, followed by burial in the Cowessess Cemetery.