Annie McGuire

Annie McGuire (Mama) peacefully passed away at Bethammi Nursing Home on April 22, 2017. She was lovingly surrounded by her family. Annie was 94 years of age, she was born at Sandpoint Reserve on January 20, 1923. She attended the St. Joseph’s residential school in Fort William. Annie was a highly respected Chim Dimoyweea. An Elder showing kindness and compassion to all those who came her way.  She modeled living the “good life” exercising non-judgement to those who needed a hand up, never refusing to help regardless of anyone’s situation. She was a true matriarch of her family and her community. Her impact was felt across our treaty area as she shared her knowledge and love with everyone who met her. 
 
She dedicated her life to her family, providing everyone with a foundation of identity as she believed in the value of knowing who you are and where you come from.  She actively supported the women in changing the Indian Act discriminatory practices and attended constitutional talks with her husband in the 1980s. When meeting Queen Elizabeth II in 1974, she refused to toast the Queen and showed strength in her values. She volunteered at the Ontario Native Women’s Association for the Grandmother’s Council, was a part of the Metis movement and was a member of many Catholic parishes.
 
Notably, she had 16 children, over 200 grandchildren and created 6 living generations which continue to be her legacy. Her home was open to everyone and was a gathering place providing love, food, laughter and healing to many people. 
 
Mama enjoyed packing up her family to spend many seasons in the bush, picking blueberries, hunting and gathering traditional food and medicines as she valued living off the land. She was well known for her sewing skills as her homemade quilts have kept many people warm and were made with love and to last a lifetime. She loved jigging, cooking and baking, attending church, eating at Swiss Chalet, listening to fiddle music, watching Hee Haw and helping people.  Her smile could light up a room and warm, even the coldest night.
 
She was the eldest child of Julia (Niwakiwesi) Schelling and Daniel (Wassegijig) Legarde, wife of the late Patrick McGuire, she was predeceased by her children George McGuire, Nathaniel McGuire, Pamela Bertin, Julia McGuire, numerous grandchildren and numerous other relatives and loved ones.
 
She is survived by her children Elsie Hagar, Agnes Harrison, Patrick McGuire Sr., Maureen Pelletier, Michael McGuire, Russell McGuire, Henry McGuire, Daniel McGuire, Kathleen Moses, Cecilia Airns, Sullivan McGuire and Dr. Patricia McGuire.  Annie raised her granddaughter Cora-lee McGuire-Cyrette and her nephew Michael Toset. She is survived by her remaining grandchildren Patrick, Steve, Eric, Andy, Ronnie, Paul, Jim, Malcolm, Sandra, Patrick Jr., Nancy, Nicole, Carlene, Cindy, John, Anne, Victor Jr., Kelvin, Tara, Shelly, Eugenie, Michelle, Rachel, Elliot, Mahogany, Veronica, Vincent, Sherry, Charlotte, Georgina, Wanda, Leonard, Catherine, Michael, Trisha, Melissa, Sharon, Jewel, Krystal, Henry Jr., Agnes, Amber, Shawn, Daniel, Annie, Charlie, John, Frank, Cheryl, Nate, Tina, Laura, Robert, Sheean, Tony and numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren and great-great-great-grandchildren. 
 
Funeral services for the late Mrs. Annie McGuire will be held in Wednesday, April 26, 2017 with family and friends gathering in St. Agnes Roman Catholic Church for the Funeral Mass at 10:00am celebrated by Fr. Jerin Louis and Fr. Larry Kroker. Interment will follow in St. Andrew’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday evening in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James after 6:00pm with the Vigil Prayers offered at 7:45pm in the Chapel. 
 
If friends so desire, donations may be made to ONWA Charitable Foundation for the creation of an Annie McGuire Memorial Scholarship. 
 
Mama believed that you never say goodbye and was well- known for her “see you again”.