DEANA DAWN NOWGESIC
“Bidabun” (Rising Day)
June 11, 1942 – January 12, 2017

It is with great sadness that the family of Ms. Deana Dawn Nowgesic (nee MacLaurin) announces her passing, peacefully at the Bethammi Nursing Home in Thunder Bay, Ontario on Thursday, January 12, 2017 at the age of 74. Deana was a resident of Ontario (Fort William First Nation, Kenora, Thunder Bay, Ottawa and Casselman) and Manitoba (Lorette) and a member of the Ojibwe (Anishinaabe) Nation.

Deana will be greatly missed by her immediate family, siblings and a large extended family, mostly from the Fort William First Nation where she remained a member and Elder. Deana was married to Frederick Nowgesic (d. 2008) of Gull Bay First Nation (Kiashke Zaaging Anishinaabek).

Deana is the cherished mother of Marilee Nowgesic (Carole Lafontaine), Ellen Nowgesic, Dr. Earl Nowgesic (Donald Boere) and Constance Nowgesic who survive her. She is the loving grandmother of Nathan Nowgesic, Christine Danielson and Kristofer Danielson who also survive her. Deana is survived by her siblings - Judy Rasevych, Barb Rodger, Malcolm MacLaurin, Kirk MacLaurin, Heather Mulvaney, Rose Johnson, Charles MacLaurin, Albert MacLaurin, Robin MacLaurin, Montgomery MacLaurin and Bonnie Pelletier.

Deana is predeceased by her parents, Charles MacLaurin and Cecilia MacLaurin (nee Boucher), and her brother, Robert Belanger.

Deana attended St. Mary’s Indian Residential School in Kenora, Ontario and St. Joseph’s Convent in Lorette, Manitoba. She obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology from Lakehead University. She also attended Brock University and Sir Wilfred Laurier University. As a past member and staff of the Ontario Native Women’s Association, Deana supported a Bill to Amend the Indian Act, or Bill C-31, which became law in 1985, preventing discriminatory rules that led to some First Nation women losing their First Nation status. Deana was employed for many years in Thunder Bay in various capacities, most notably with the Lakehead Public School Board and the Thunder Bay Catholic District School Board where she worked as an Attendance Officer and Guidance Counselor supporting Aboriginal or Indigenous students. Deana also worked in Ottawa for the Gignul Non-Profit Housing Corporation where she was the Tenant Counselor and General Manager.

Deana’s greatest comforts were those times spent with her family, her Catholic community, and her spiritual relations in Indigenous communities across Canada and the United States. Her wisdom, humour and adventurous spirit will not be forgotten by the many people who knew and loved Deana, who now joins her Creator.

Funeral Services for the late Ms. Deana Nowgesic will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 with family and friends gathering in St. Patrick's Cathedral, (211 South Archibald Street, Thunder Bay, Ontario) for the Funeral Mass at 9:30 AM celebrated by Msgr. P.M. Stilla V.G. Interment will follow in Mountainview Cemetery (1351 Broadway Avenue, Thunder Bay, Ontario). Visitation for family and friends will be held on Friday, January 20, 2017 in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, Thunder Bay, Ontario from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. An Anishinaabe Ceremony will be offered in the Chapel at 7:00 PM.

A reception for family and friends will be held on Saturday, January 21, 2017 at the Fort William First Nation Community Centre (Bingo Hall), 400 Anemki Drive, Fort William First Nation, Ontario from 12:00 PM until 3:00 PM.

If friends so desire, donations made to the Alzheimer Society of Thunder Bay would be gratefully appreciated.