Our hearts are weighed down as we announce the passing of Virginia “Ginger” Gagnon, who left this world at 55 on May 23, 2025. Ginger passed peacefully surrounded by her family at the Thunder Bay Regional Hospital.
Ginger was born on June 12, 1969, in Geraldton, Ontario, to parents Amelia Gagnon (nee Jabic) and Joseph Gagnon. She had previously worked at Menobiimadeswin as a teen residential worker, where she stayed at a group home with teens and provided care and support. Additionally, she worked at the Thunder Bay Indian Friendship Centre as a Little Beaver Troop Leader. Her work demonstrated how much she always cared to help people.
She is predeceased by her beloved parents Amelia and Joseph Gagnon; grandparents Mary (nee Newatchegeesic) and Walter Gagnon, and Mary (nee Jabic) and Sam Megan; paternal grandfather George Jabic. Brother Leo Ishabid, sister Theresa “Butch” Gagnon; uncles Donald Gagnon, Chris Gagnon, Aunt Lena Bell, and Marcel Gagnon. Uncle Abraham Jabic, Aunty Theresa Jabic (nee Legarde), and Aunty Alice Jabic (nee Atlookan).
She is survived by her sons, Walter and Kevin Lewis; her cherished fur baby Griswald (Grizzy); and her husband, Gary Lewis. She also leaves behind her loving sisters Donna Spyrka (nee Gagnon) and Patricia Gagnon, and her loving brother Douglas Gagnon, as well as numerous nieces and nephews, who she held close to her heart.
Ginger will be remembered and honoured forever as a loving mother, aunty, sister, friend and confidant. As the eldest sibling, she naturally stepped into a motherly role, caring for her nieces, nephews, and younger sisters with unwavering love. She will be remembered for her wicked sense of humour, her love of good music, her kindness, and a soft heart for animals. To those who knew her best, Ginger had a deeply meaningful role in our lives as someone who helped raise us, protect us, and bring laughter into our days. Even when life shifted around us, the love she gave us never changed. Her greatest pride and joy are her two boys, Kevin and Walter Lewis; their brothers Corey and Tristen Lewis, with whom she loved as if they were her own; and her dearest little companion, Grizzy.
In accordance with Virginia's wishes, cremation has taken place. Funeral Services to Honour and Celebrate Ginger's life will be held on Thursday, May 29, 2025, at 1:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, Thunder Bay, officiated by Deacon Pasquale Coccimiglio.
A second service in her home community of Aroland First Nation will be held on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at 11:00am in the Aroland Sacred Heart of Mary Catholic Church, officiated by Father Hugo Tremblay. Interment will follow in Aroland Cemetery.
Miigwetch to the doctor and nursing staff at the TBRHSC who worked diligently and compassionately with Ginger's family.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to the Thunder Bay Humane Society in Ginger’s honour.
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