CANDICE CAROLYN COPENACE

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CANDICE CAROLYN COPENACE (Gidagizimigisibinesikwe Spotted Eagle Woman, Atik Dodem Elk Clan) February 4, 1972 - November 1, 2018 It is with great sorrow that we announce the passing of Candice Carolyn Copenace, suddenly and tragically at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg. She left this world surrounded by loving family. She is predeceased by her mother Rosalyn Kelly, aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, and her sister Harriet. She is survived by her sister Serena Copenace (Brian Shuba); brother Chuck Copenace (Janell Henry); nephew Brendan Copenace; her fathers, Charles Copenace ( Anita Cameron) and Peter Kirby (Darlene); her Kokum Orpha Mandamin; her sisters, Nadya Kwandibens, Cassie Redsky, Cindy Pahpasay, and Gloria Jack-Mclure; brothers, Nazareth Kwandibens, and Manley Wapioke. Also surviving her are Greg Strang, our foster brother; aunts, Mary Kelly, Linda Kelly, Phyllis Kelly, Frannie Kelly, Ida Copenace, Peggy Copenace, Kathy Kinew, and Lucile Kelly; uncles, Donald Copenace, Reggie Copenace, and Gilbert Kelly; and other aunties, uncles, and cousins, too many to name, but all who loved her and she loved so much. She struggled the last 20 years or so with addiction, trying to stay sober and reach her goals. Despite this she accomplished many things. She graduated from Beaver Brae High School with honours and went to Lakehead University and then the University of Manitoba. She also finished a certificate in Carpentry. She was a naturally talented artist, musician, athlete and billiards player. She was truly gifted and so, so smart. She worked at Treaty Three Cultural Center in the 1990s and she loved that job. She also volunteered helping youth. She worked most recently at call centres in Winnipeg. She loved the outdoors and being on the lake. She loved to spend time with family and most of all her nephew and her mom in Northwest Angle in Regina Bay. She had strong cultural beliefs and learned our language from our mother Rosalyn Kelly and others. She taught herself to bead and sing and she loved to make necklaces and other beaded items. Many helped her along the way - Yvonne Bear Bull and others at the Kenora Fellowship Centre: Patti, Richard and Dan and all the other workers at the Morningstar Detox; Janice, Lo-anne and Michelle and others at Clarissa Manor; workers at treatment centres, including Peguis Al-Care, Migisi, Anchorage, Waasegiizhig Nanaandawe'iyewigamig (WNHAC); doctor Kevin Bozyk and doctor Laurence Hunt; Sharon, Hillary and Julie at Legal Aid Ontario and Probation Officer Bobbi-Lynn. Many others at the Jubilee Church and Salome Mission, the Kenora Shelter, extended family, friends of family and strangers helped her when she was in need with a ride, a meal or a kind word of encouragement. Those she called her family on the streets of Kenora cared for her, and she for them. Candice was a grateful person and volunteered to help out clients and staff at all the places she stayed or visited. Candice had so much to offer. She was a beautiful, funny soul. She touched all those who crossed her path. She had much to share of her talents and gifts the Creator gave her. She had so many goals she had yet to achieve. She wanted to be an addictions counsellor or work with children with whom she bonded so easily. Her life will be remembered not for the struggles she had, but for the beauty, love and laughter she spread on this earth. Sadness and pain overcome us now, but we will remember the happiness she gave forever. Love you "Candy Cane" and may you walk with the Eagles and with mama. No more pain, no more suffering, no more sadness. Just light and love. Viewing at Brown's Funeral Home, Kenora, on Wednesday evening. Elder, Mida Kiwenzie (Peter White) will conduct the wake on Thursday at 12:00 noon and the funeral will be held on Friday, November 9 at 10:00 a.m. at Onigaming School. Online condolences can be sent to www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Nov 07, 2018