Freda McDonald

Mrs. Freda McDonald, age 85 years, passed away peacefully in her home on Monday, January 1, 2018 with her family by her side. 

Freda was born in Fort Alexander (Sagkeeng First Nation), Manitoba on April 26, 1932. Freda was a well respected Elder in native communities regionally, provincially and nationally, touching countless people with her knowledge and caring. As an expert teacher of her Ojibwe culture, Freda shared her skills with all that seeked her out. Over the years, she was the recipient of many recognition awards including the Governor General Award and being featured as the cover story in the Canadian Geographic magazine. Freda was known for her many years of involvement with the Old Fort William Native Encampment, Beendigen Women's Crisis Centre and the Lakehead University Spiritual Central. Most of all, Freda enjoyed crossword puzzles, playing scrabble and hunting down bargains at Value Village. Freda was was most known for her gentle, down to earth, humble way and always welcoming everyone into her home and life.

Freda will be deeply missed by her children Gerald, Bruce, Terry, Cheryl (Brad) Kylander, Beverly Lubuk and Tracey; grandchildren Jenniffer, Billie-Leigh, Autumn, Ashley, Riely, Jodi, Tanner, Logan, Ripleigh and her great-grandchildren Taylor, Bryce, Irelynn, Liam, Jaelynn, Leigh, Wyatt and Walker. She is also survived by her siblings Sylvia Guimond and Lena Houston as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband William and son Lester; her parents John Philip and Mary Agnes Courchene; siblings Marcel, Mike, Marjory and John A.

Funeral Services for the late Mrs. Freda McDonald will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2018 at 1:30PM in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James. Cremation will follow with interment in Sunset Memorial Gardens at a later date. A traditional Midewin Ceremony will be held on Friday, January 5, 2018 from 5:00pm until 9:00pm in the Westfort Chapel.

Should friends so desire, donations made in memory of Freda to a charity of your choice would be greatly appreciated.