In loving memory of Elsie Chief née Parenteau, 70 years of age, who passed away peacefully with her family by her side on Wednesday August 7, 2013 at the Dryden Regional Health Centre after a short battle with cancer.
Elsie is predeceased by her parents Alphonse and Lillian Parenteau, her sister Agnes and brother Jim, and her foster son Joe. She is survived by her husband Henry of 50 years, her daughters Shiela (Louis Ainslie), Donna (Ursula Chief), and Danine (Rodney Howe), her grandchildren Stephanie (Brendan), John (Kate), Louis, Nicholas (Pam), Matthew (Ruth), and Brittany, her great-grandchildren Dexter, Lily, Kolton, Logan, and Cora, and her sisters Violet and Emily Parenteau of Dinorwic. Elsie also leaves behind a large circle of friends, including Esther Pitchenese as her closest friend, and relatives, especially her Parenteau family, her god-children, her cousins, and her nieces and nephews.
She shared her love for the natural world with her husband who was her best friend, her partner, and her support throughout her life. Together, they made a living harvesting wood, trapping, and guiding. Time spent at blueberry and wildrice camps with friends including Paul and Judy Parenteau were among her fondest memories. Travelling and gambling with Brian and Kathy McIvor, who were often easily persuaded to join them, were also highlights. Her competitive spirit came through when she played softball, bingo, poker, and crib, and she passed it on to her daughters. Attending powwows and passing on traditional teachings was an important and spiritually rewarding part of her life. As a respected community elder, she will also be remembered for her generosity and willingness to give her time and advice to others.
The family would like to thank Dr. Cortens, Dr. Gagnon, and the nursing and ambulance staff at the DRHC for their compassion, patience, and willingness to accommodate the family’s cultural needs. The family is also grateful to those who visited and brought a variety of foods, including a few traditional dishes, to the hospital. A special thanks goes out to Jeremy Jordan and James Henderson for providing comfort with their drumming and songs.
A funeral service to celebrate Elsie’s life will be held at the Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation Community Hall on Saturday August 10, 2013 at 1:00 pm. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the DRHC Palliative Room Refurbishing Fund through the Dryden Community Funeral Home, 249 Grand Trunk Ave., Dryden, ON, P8N2X3.
