Annette Brisard

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of our mother Annette Brisard on Saturday May 8, 2021. 

Waysketch skin highway, giggle giggle!  Mom was born February 16, 1947 in Ombabika, Ontario. She spent her early years with her parents and siblings at various logging camps at Ombabika, and surrounding areas of Auden Onario. Mom spent time on the land hunting, trapping and fishing especially at Summit, Toronto and Good Lake. She also lived in Armstrong and Dorion before making Jellicoe her home.

Although she had a hard life and went to Residential school, Mom was able to overcome obstacles and challenges in her life with pride and resilience. Mom was very caring, giving, and generous to all those who came to know her. Her love of laughter was infectious and will be missed by all who knew her.

She was active in the communities that she served such as President of the Neil Arthur Memorial Hall (Jellicoe), and as an active elder who sat on various committees of ANIMBIIGOO Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek.

Mom had a business sense in her that permitted her to operate and manage restaurant businesses successfully in Dorion, Jellicoe and Beardmore. Travellers on both highways 11and 17 would make sure to stop to eat her famous burgers and fries or her delicious pies.  Her friendly and outgoing personality at work established great respect from customers that grew into friendships, from all over, especially Dorion and Rocky Bay patrons.

During her free time, Mom enjoyed reading, playing bingo, listening to classic country music, dancing, and baking her famous pies and butter tarts. She also enjoyed spending time at Mad Point -her favourite camping spot. Auden held a special place in her heart where she often visited.  Mom was a treasure in the knowledge and history that she shared. Her passing will leave a tremendous void in the oral histories of Ombabika and Auden.

If mom taught us anything, it was the importance of family. Mom was extremely family focused and loved having her family visit often and looked forward to holiday occasions that would bring them together. During family visits you were sure to hear her laughter through teasing, telling ‘dirty jokes’ and sharing funny memories. Although she was happy and brought happiness you knew you were in trouble with that stern ‘look’ and you knew you better ‘do it- or else!”

Mom is survived by her special friend Isadore Donio (Pie-o) from Armstrong, and her children Bryon  (Gerry), Yvette (Fern), Delena, Bartholomew, Michael ( Tracy), Ronald (Andrea), Robert and her “boy” Harvey Nayanookeesic. Mom leaves to mourn her loving sisters Theresa Jalkanen (Arti), Marie Toset (Nils), and brother Oswald Brisard (Irene).  She will be dearly missed by her twenty-nine grandchildren and thirty-two great grandchildren.  Special friends Irene Anderson, Madeline Brizard, Cynthia Le Seur-Aquin  and Beverly Goodchild will also feel the loss of Mom’s passing.

Mom is also survived by sisters-In-law Theresa Head (Geraldton)  and Stella Wabason (Armstrong) and brothers-in-law Jerry Head (Winnipeg) and Andy Megan (Aroland). She will be fondly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives.

Mom is predeceased by her husband Victor Head, parents Joseph and Frances Brisard, daughter Pauline Rose in infancy, brothers Dollard, Gerard, Roy (Lloyd), Gaetan, sister Charlotte, and two sisters in infancy,  in-laws: Eric Kwisses Sr., Joe Head, Harry Head, Stanley  Head, Tommy Head and sisters-in-law Liza A. Baxter (Head), Pearl Brizard and Veronica Messon.

Mom will rest at her home on Tuesday May 11, 2021, followed by a traditional ceremony on Wednesday May 12, 2021 at 10:00am, ANIMBIIGOO Zaagi’igan Anishinaabek (Partridge Lake).

Forever in our hearts!

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