“Makade Binesiik” “Makade Binesiik Ikwe”
Atik Dootem
April 15, 1940 - May 2, 2020
It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved mother, sister, auntie, kokum and friend. Elizabeth “Betty” Tom passed away peacefully at the Lake of the Woods District Hospital on Saturday, May 2, 2020.
Betty was born on April 15, 1940 to the late Charlie Jack and Agnes Katcheconias. She was born and raised in Northwest Angle Inlet (Bukete island) on Lake of the Woods. At age 6, she was taken to St. Mary’s residential school, where she spent her school years until the age 12. After leaving St. Mary’s, Betty returned home to Northwest Angle Inlet. She spent her early adult years as a cleaner at camps on the same lake she grew up on with her sister Jane.
In 1960, Betty met Joseph Tom, while visiting her sister in Whitefish Bay. They immediately connected, started dating and later married. Joe and Betty welcomed their first child in 1961. Betty stayed in Whitefish Bay, where she raised her four children and lived the rest of her life. Kokum Betty, as she was fondly known by many, played a pivotal role in raising her grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Her door was always open to anyone needing a place to sleep, a hot meal or just to chat.
Betty was the life of the party, without the alcohol. She could make an entire room cry from laughter with one of her jokes. You could always count on her to take a serious moment and make you laugh. She didn’t live a sedentary lifestyle. She enjoyed travelling and wherever she went she would always make friends. She loved spending her time in Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, visiting with her grandchildren and great grandchildren. What ever city, town or community she found herself in, she could always find a bingo hall.
Betty was one of the hardest workers around and her talents were multifaceted. She could often be found picking berries and medicines, cleaning fish, trapping and skinning animals, doing wood working, sewing, or beading. Betty was formally trained in carpentry and culinary arts. She would proudly show her grandchildren the personalized meat cleaver she was gifted after graduation. Betty was an out-spoken individual who participated in many gatherings and was often asked to speak at events and was a well respected Elder. Whatever she did in her life she always gave it 100% and took pride in her work. There was nothing she couldn’t do.
Betty leaves behind her Children, Marvin (Dorinda) Tom, Conrad Tom, Phyllis (Daniel) Pitchenese, Gary (Lydia) Tom and Jimmy (Yvonne Penace) Mandamin; Siblings, Jane Tom, Tommy Jack, Mary Jack and Effie Jack; Grandchildren, Tatiyana (Vincent), Tamara, Carrie (Skylar), Sarah (Mat), Laxmi, Ethan, Logan, Mercedes, Ferrari, Hilary, Burton, Lori, Karlina , Joshua (Ashlee), Bryce, Aaron, Kelsey, Rachel (Dylan) , Bradley, Melissa (Kevin), Taylor (Hunter), Daniel, Teagan and James Jr.(Nicole); 30 Great Grand Children and 1 Great-Great Grandchild.
Betty was predeceased by her son, Aaron Tom; Parents, Charlie Jack and Agnes Katcheconias and Siblings, George, Charles, Madeleine, Margaret and Adeline.
Pallbearers are Hunter Halcrow, Dylan Copenace, Skylar Copenace, Vince Jamieson, Mat Heron, James Mandamin, Mitch Boulette and Daniel Kelly.
Honourary Pallbearers are; Helen Joesph, Mary Cowley, Anne Shebagegit, Lousie Mandamin, Catherine Hunter, Joann Paypompee, Dorothy Paypompee, Debbie Meekis, Nancy Gardner and Bessie Tom
A viewing for all friends and family will take place at Brown Funeral home & Cremation Centre in Kenora on Tuesday, May 5, 2020 from 1-9 PM. Covid 19 restrictions will be in full effect, 5 people will be allowed in the building in 15 minute increments. Betty’s granddaughter Taylor Tom will be managing the viewing schedule. Please contact her on Facebook or her cell 802-498-8910.
The traditional wake and funeral will be officiated by elder Ken Kakeeway. Wake will be held for immediate family and community members of Whitefish Bay at Baibombeh Anishinabe School in Whitefish Bay on Wednesday, May 6, 2020 beginning at 1 PM. Funeral will begin at 11 AM on Thursday, May 7, 2020.
All women in attendance are requested to wear long skirts. The family requests that people do not bring flowers.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18