Olive Ruth Harper
August 3, 1968 – January 7, 2024
Olive was born on August 3, 1968 to parents, Ina and the late Geordie Williams at the Sioux Lookout Zone Hospital. She took her last breath on the evening of January 7, 2024 driving back from her evening drive to the airport.
Olive is survived by her two sons: Lyndon and Ethan Williams. She leaves behind her mom, Ina Williams and her brother, Christopher Williams; her half-brother Ricky Keeash; her two nieces whom she called her sisters: Connie (Floyd) Kenequanash; and Celinda (Eddie) Winter; her half- sisters: Celia Kakekayash; and, Vanessa (Maki) Keeash; as well as her two grandchildren, Light and Miller Morris. She also leaves behind the girls she raised as her own: Brooke Margaret Kenequanash and Storm Shyrose Jeremiah. She leaves behind her nephews, Landon (Dianne) Williams; Conley Williams; McCartney Beardy; and her niece Carlena (Randall) Petawanick. Olive also leaves behind her adopted grandchildren, Paul, and Odessa Koostachin and, Kaidence McPherson.
Olive is predeceased by her father, Geordie Williams, grandparents Albert Williams and Margaret Keeash; grand-stepfather Peter Keeash; and grandparents Lazarus and Nellie Sakakeep; grand-stepmother Sarahjane Sakakeep; sister Clara Ashmugeesha; brothers: Raymond John (twin brother of Leonard); Leonard Williams; Ryan Keeash; late baby Williams (twin brother of Chris); and, Baby Angel; and other extended family members.
Olive worked for a long time as a crisis coordinator for her community. She also worked as a part-time filing clerk for the bookkeepers. Her past career pursuits included going for training to be a police officer out in Moosonee, Ontario as well as working in retail in the community. Her ability to work as part of the team providing help to the community will be missed by both her coworkers and the community members.
Olive had a big heart for children and youth and would often host children’s feasts during Christmas holidays. She helped with the fundraising activities for grade 7/8 class trips and Lil Band’s hockey tournaments. She enjoyed helping during the week when Hope through Hockey Team came to the community to teach children and youth the skills of becoming a hockey player or learning how to skate. She loved sports: baseball, volleyball, broomball, and hockey. Olive had looked forward to the upcoming broomball tournament where she had asked to be a goalie for the Old-Timer’s Team. Olive also opened her home to foster children. She had an outgoing personality and made acquaintances easily; she had a unique boisterous laugh from the soul and loved to tease.
Olive will be greatly missed as she did a lot of volunteer help and was always available to work even though she was limited in doing some activities as she had to do her home dialysis. Despite this, she didn’t let her health issues prevent her from her volunteerism and advocacy for her beloved community. We will remember and miss her caring and ability to connect with all age groups.
A Wake Service for Olive will be held in Thunder Bay on Friday, January 19, 2024 from 2:00pm until 4:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.
Olive will then be transported home to North Caribou Lake First Nation where a Wake will be held. The Funeral Service will be held in Weagamow Lake Evangelical Fellowship Church on Monday, January 22, 2024 at 11:00am, officiated by Pastor Duane Roth and the closing prayer offered by Pastor Jerry Quequish. Burial will follow in the Weagamow Lake Community Cemetery with the committal service led by Pastor Jake Sawanis.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
