MARJORIE NELSON

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MARJORIE NELSON On June 26, 2007, a treasured elder from the Anishinabe Nation passed into the Spirit World. Her name was Miskogiizhigok (Red Sky Woman), Marjorie Nelson, of the Migizii (Bald Eagle) Clan. She was born to Mary Gaspard, Giijiibaabiiwanook, (Swirling Wind) and Joe Johnson, Bizhikiinswiigaabow (Standing Buffalo) sometime before the snow was on the ground in 1928 on the Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation. We celebrated her birthday on November 8. Marjorie's mother passed on before she turned a year old, and she was raised by her father with help from various relatives on the Reserve. When she was six years old, Marjorie was taken from her family and placed in Residential School in Portage where she spent the next nine years of her life, rarely allowed to come home to visit, even in the summer holidays. Marjorie married Stan Nelson, Waabaanikwe'aash, (White Hair Blowing in the Wind) and together they raised nine children and an adopted son. As a child growing up without a mother, Marjorie determined that if she ever had children, she would keep them close to her always. Marjorie kept not only her own children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren close, but many others as well. She was lovingly called Goobade, Koo Koo, Mom, Sister and Auntie by many. On February 27, 1995, her dear husband Stan passed on. Marjorie was also predeceased by her daughters Genevieve and Evelyn, granddaughter Roberta, grandsons Bobby and Virgil, adopted grandson Jason Woods, brothers Alec Johnson (Giziibiigan) and Roy Johnson (Netamigaabo), and sister Rosie Nelson (Zhenobiik). She is survived and will be greatly missed by: Charlie (Violet), Zongiday, Jodee, Anna, Bawbee, Kirby; Terrance (Wanda) Kathy, Karen, Angeline, Andrew, Kyle; Marilyn (Nelson Johnson), Martina; James, Courtney, Jason; John (Karen), Sharlin, Matthew, Carlyle, Taylor, Callahan; Jackie; Josie (Chris Hartin), Christopher, Alex; Genevieve's children, Bruce, Robin, Jane, Gina; Evelyn's children, Dawnis, Adam; adopted son, Russell Thomas, numerous great and great-great-grandchildren and many, many extended family members and friends. Marjorie led by example. She created a drug and alcohol-free home. She worked as a teacher's aid in the local school for over 20 years and spent seven years earning her teacher's degree in language. She graduated from the University of Thunder Bay at the age of 63 and spent a number of years teaching the Ojibway language at the Ginew School. The family would like to thank the staff of the Morris hospital, the Ginew Wellness Centre, and the Roseau River Elders for all your kind actions, thoughts, prayers and support. A traditional wake will be held at the Roseau River Anishinabe First Nation community hall from Wednesday to Friday, with traditional funeral, conducted by Third Degree Midewiwin Lawrence Henry, to be held Friday, June 29 at 10:00 a.m.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jun 29, 2007