Mary Evelyn Pahpasay

Anishinaabe nickname Chi’Kwe

Sturgeon Clan

Traditional name; Minziwekiizhigook

March 21, 1939 - May 21, 2026

It is with respect that we acknowledge the passing of Evelyn Pahpasay (Minziwekiizhigook), a cherished matriarch of Grassy Narrows who leaves behind a profound legacy spanning multiple generations. Her life story is a testament to the resilience and enduring connection to the land that has defined the history of the Asubpeeschoseewagong First Nation.

Evelyn’s first name was Mary however she preferred to be called by her second name.

Evelyn was predeceased by her parents; Margaret Land (nee) Isbister and Jerry Fobister. Her husband, Joseph Pahpasay. Her first daughter, Emma P. Her siblings; Andrew F, Steve F, Patrick F, Robert F, Margaret F, Sharon F, Jeanne, Roy F, John B.

Her nieces Victoria, Marcia, Marilyn and her nephew Phillip. Her grandchildren; Janine, Cynthia and her great grandchildren; Michaela and Sierra.

She leaves to mourn her children; JB (Becky), Sylvia, Christine, Annette (Robert), Harvey (Priscilla), Darren, Marty, Jennifer (Ben), Lionel. And her 1st cousin/brother, William F Sr. (Annette). Her grandchildren; Darryl (Carol), Mike (Jenna), Jason, Robyn (Jason), Nicole (Rene), Charlton (Lucille), Russell (Carole), Wade, Desiree (Jeff), Myles, Shannon (Farrell), Nikita, Wynter, Robbie (Rianne), Darcy (Sinew), Stacy (Ryan), Brett, Destiny, Austin, Keenan, Darren Jr, Alyssa, Josiah, Bryce, Juanita (Lyle), Bree, Keezh and Evander and other family too numerous to mention.

Great grandchildren; Cameron, Aiden, Tyler, Lennox, Mia, ‘Scooby’ Jeremy, Logan, Michael Jr, Wasapiik, Honey, Ashton, Kylie, Aubrey, Crystal Komer, Brad, Thomas, solace, Kassius, Poseidon, iris, Hayden, Che, Xavi, Neeno, Brandy, Mathius, Chayce, Elena, Quincy, Aeson, Fenton, Brody, Brian Jr, Charlene and Akwii, great great grandchildren; Helena, Asher, Meadow.

As well as nieces and nephews; Doreen (Tamoot), David Keon, Sidney, Terry, Roland, Eric, Pamela, Sherry, Emily, Steven and others too numerous to mention.

Her extended family members from Eagle Lake; Marge Napish, Margaret Gardner, Laura Cripps (Bob).

Born in 1939, Evelyn’s early years were rooted in the traditions of her community on the old reserve, where she developed a deep, lifelong appreciation for the wilderness. Alongside her husband, Joseph Pahpasay, she raised nine children while maintaining a traditional lifestyle on the trapline. This path required immense dedication and strength, as the family lived in harmony with the seasonal cycles—harvesting blueberries in the summer and engaging in the labor-intensive work of gathering wild rice.

Evelyn’s impact extended far beyond her immediate family, touching the lives of her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. In her later years, she shared her work ethic and presence with the community through her service as a school janitor, providing a steady hand and quiet dedication to the next generation of students in Grassy Narrows. Her journey, from the rigors of the trapline to her role in the school, reflects a life characterized by family devotion, cultural endurance, and humble, hard-working service to her people.

Evelyn had such a passion and love for sports such as watching hockey, baseball, basketball and her favourite teams are the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Blue Jays

The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the exceptional medical care provided to Evelyn by Nurse Lorraine Johnson Pedlar who stayed n provided comfort to Evelyn but also to all of Evelyn’s family. The family would also like to acknowledge Dr Whiley who provided medical care to our mom in the recent years and who was very caring to her.

The family would also like to extend their deep appreciation to Arnold Pelly and William Fobister Sr for being there by her side.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons Mike, Jason, Charlton, Russell, Wade, Myles, Robbie and Darcy. Honorary pallbearers will be Joe and Robert Williamson.

Wake will begin on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 2pm at her house in Grassy Narrows with Traditional ceremony starting on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 10:00am with elders Gilbert Smith and Clarence White officiating. Evelyn will be laid to rest close to her mother Margaret.