Christine Garneau (Williams) “Saigitchway Keeshigook”
July 24, 1945 – November 5, 2019
It is with heavy hearts that the family of Christine Garneau announce her passing on November 5, 2019 at the age of 74. Christine was born in Dryden on July 24, 1945 to parents Pete McIvor and Josephine Williams.
She is survived by her children Fredrick (Freda) and Jocelyn (Jeff), grandchildren Franki Rose (Arnold), Justin, Victoria and Montana, brothers Jim and David, sister Mary (Barry), great-granddaughters Kamila and Sasha, great-grandson Jacob, nieces and nephews Brian, Porky, Leslie, Crystal, Charlene, Roddy, Jeff, Chrissy, Waylon, Margaret, Clayton, Elvis Jr., Chastidy, Calvin and Rachel. She will also be missed by her loving furry friend Sheba.
Christine grew up, worked and lived in Wabigoon Lake First Nation. Over the years, Christine held numerous positions within the community, one which was Chief of Wabigoon Lake from 1991 to 1993. In her term as Chief, Christine was an instrumental influence in starting Wabigoon Lake First Nation’s flood and timber claims against the federal and provincial government, which still continues today. Christine also recognized the need for a community store which presently operates today. She worked hard all her life and loved helping people and helping her community. She loved fishing with Marilyn and her brother Jim. Christine enjoyed gardening, dancing, visiting her friends at bingo and she loved her Toronto Maple Leafs. She also loved to slip away to Winnipeg or Thunder Bay to go to the casino with her sister Mary and brother Jim. Christine looked forward to pow wow season so she could visit friends and family.
She was predeceased by her parents Pete and Josephine, her husband Fredrick, daughter Lorraine, grandson Travis, sisters Mary Ann and Margaret and brother Danny.
Christine’s family would like to thank her doctors along the way, Dr. Whittaker and Dr. Viherjoki (who Christine lovingly referred to as Dr. Karaoke), nurses and all other staff at the Dryden Regional Health Centre for Christine’s care and all the kindness they have shown.
Visitation will take place on Thursday, November 7, 2019 from 12 p.m. until time of service at the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation Conference Centre.
A Traditional Service will take place on Saturday, November 9, 2019 at 1 p.m. at the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation Conference Centre with a Native Elder officiating and prayers by Father Alan Campeau.
Cremation will follow and interment will take place at a later date.
Donations may be made to Diabetes Canada or the Alzheimer Society through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Avenue, Dryden, ON P8N 2X3
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to dcfh@drytel.net subject heading: Garneau
