Lorraine Mendowegan

Lorraine Mendowegan
Piitegiizhigo Migisiikwe
Namebin Ododeman
July 17, 1966 - July 23, 2023

Our strong, kind, loving, funny, and caring mom, granny, sister, auntie, cousin and friend, Lorraine Mendowegan, began her journey to the Spirit World on July 23rd, 2023. After a courageous battle with cancer, she passed away at Geraldton District Hospital with her family by her side.

Lorraine will be reunited with her parents: Bruce and Eliza Mendowegan, her paternal grandparents: John and Marie Mendowegan, and her maternal grandparents: Samuel "Gaga" and Agnes "Dodo" Shabogamik. Also reuniting with her brothers: Hector Mendowegan and Calvin Mendowegan; her nephews: Craig Mendowegan, Erik Legarde Sr., and Rayn Fisher. In the Spirit World, Lorraine joins her paternal aunts and uncles: Charlotte Legarde, Joseph Mendowegan, Christine Shebagabow, Geraldine Baxter, John Mendowegan Jr., and Bella Wesley; her maternal aunts and uncles: Daisy Ritch, Louise Gagnon, and Lilia Gagnon; as well as many cousins, and extended family members, too numerous to name.

She will be forever missed and loved by her beloved daughter Isabelle Mendowegan and her grandchildren Robert and Latoya, whom she was so proud of; as well as her brothers and sisters: Justin, Elsie (Ambrose Sr.), Bruce Jr. (Phyllis), Natalie, Cecil, Leonard, Priscilla and Gene. Auntie Lou had 25 remaining nephews and nieces: Selena, Sierra, Ambrose Jr., Laura, Nicky, Alannah, Kristin, Erin, Tracey, Donald Jr., Dakota, Harley, Lyle, Amy, Wendy, Marcus, Brianne, Kevin, Dallas, Alexis, Diana, Johnette, Summer, Sunny and Katherie. She loved all of her nephews and nieces like her own, and was a granny to their children: her great-nephews and great-nieces. She is survived by her uncles Jerry, Jack and Casey. Coming from a big family, Lorraine is survived by many cousins, all whom she referred to as her brothers and sisters. She will be lovingly missed by her devoted pup Molly. Lorraine had a big heart and adored all of her family, friends and her dog.

Lorraine was raised in Aroland by Gaga and Dodo, where she had lots of family and friends, and an abundance of treasured memories. Later on in life, she moved to Longlac, and lived in Ginoogaming First Nation with her daughter and grandchildren. This is where she could be close to her parents, siblings and family, and also where she created long-lasting friendships.

Lorraine recently celebrated her 57th birthday on July 17th. She was very happy to be surrounded by her family and was thankful for the gifts she received, one being a Boston Bruins hat of her favourite hockey team.

In addition to her big heart, she enjoyed making people laugh, visiting with family and friends, reminiscing about memories, and listening to music. Lorraine loved spending time outdoors. Whether it was hunting, snaring, trapping, fishing, or doing yard work during the summer, shoveling her driveway in the winter, or going for walks-- anything to do with being outside, she cherished. She loved to take care of her family and ensure we were all okay. Over the years and in her final days, she continued to remind us to take care of each other, like she took care of us.

Family and friends are invited to visit at the Ginoogaming First Nation Training Center on Thursday, July 28th as of 3:00pm, followed by a Funeral Service on Saturday, July 29th at 11:00am.  Burial will take place at the Aroland Cemetery.

The family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre and Geraldton District Hospital, Ginoogaming First Nation and everyone who visited, supported and helped out in any way. Miigwech.

As Lorraine would say, "it's not goodbye, it's see you later."

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