Makosi wbik (lil’ bear)
Niiganiwo gimakwe (leading woman)
Pagochiqwes
Pizhew Clan (Lynx)
4th degree Midewiwin
It's with great sadness we the family of Mary Catherine Kelly announce the passing of our dear mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, friend and spiritual advisor on Wednesday, August 26, 2020 at the LaVerendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, ON.
She lived in Onigaming all her life. She loved her family and people dearly. She left a legacy of kindness, forgiveness, love, spirituality, and unity. She passed on the Anishinaabe teachings and values. She was a humble and well respected Elder for Fort Frances Tribal Area Health Authority, Weechitiwin Family Services, Grand Council Treaty 3, Onigaming School and her home community. She smoked her pipe daily praying for her family and everyone in the community. Her message to the people in her community was to love each other, help each other and work together for a healthy community for the children.
She worked as a medical driver, carpenter and commercial fisherwoman. She enjoyed watching ballgames and hockey, especially of her grandson and great grandchildren. She enjoyed trips to the Casino and helping her community with ceremonies as well as teaching children.
She will be greatly missed by her daughters Yvonne Kelly and Thelma Kelly (Derek); grandsons Sheldon Kelly Sr. (Sarah), Jessie Kelly and Radyus Kelly; great grandchildren Sheldon Kelly Jr. and Samantha Kelly as well as numerous nephews and nieces. She loved her in laws Leslie Cameron.
She is now with all her family and husband in the spirit world. The are having a big happy family reunion. She joins her husband John Jim Kelly; daughter Janice Rose Kelly; siblings Thomas Indian (Elsie), John Indian (Bella), Paul Indian, Louisa Shebagegit (Frank), Joe Indian and Stanley Indian (Dorothy).
A traditional ceremony was held on Saturday, August 28, 2020 at the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation Community Hall with Elders Fred Kelly and Charlie Nelson officiating.
Interment will take place in the Ojibways of Onigaming First Nation Cemetery.
The pallbearers will be Ernest Cobiness Sr., Ernest Cobiness Jr., James Wolfleg, Pete Cobiness, Raven Cobiness, Roger Allen, Bryden Kelly and Jamie Kelly.
The honourary pallbearers will be Sheldon Kelly, Jessie Kelly, Frank Tom, Bessie Tom, Phyllis Shaugbay, Jane Tom and Fred Kelly.
With love from her family. We love you mom, grandma, and aunty.
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