CONSTANCE (CONNIE) MORRISSEAU

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CONSTANCE (CONNIE) MORRISSEAU

The friends, family, and relations of the Morrisseau family wish to announce that suddenly on December 28, 2023, our beloved Biidwedamook, Constance (Connie) Morrisseau, 59, passed away at her home in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She was a mother, sister, auntie, cousin, colleague, friend and relative who brought joy and love to everyone she met, touching their hearts and minds and spirits. Creation is a much better place for having her a part of our lives.



Connie was born November 18, 1964, in Brandon, Manitoba to Laverne and Harvey Morrisseau. She was a fighter who always led with love, strength, and determination, even from the moment she was born and spent much time in the hospital alongside her mother, who travelled far distances to care for her and never left her side. The bond between her and her mother was life-long. The two of them spent years alongside one another, giving Connie a love of family, food, and a dedication to supporting young people as they supported many foster children together. Losing her mother when she passed away in 1996 was one of the hardest moments in her life. But, through the gifts of her mother, Connie became the most loving mother to daughter Desiree and son Cole as well as mother-in-law to Shelby. Our family is so happy the two of them are together again.



Connie spent years working in Manitoba Justice advocating for her people. She was a lifelong learner who received her Bachelor of Social Work while raising two children, later becoming an advocate for restorative justice practices. She was dedicated to weaving in traditional ways and perspectives into systems and institutions. Colleagues would constantly remark how dedicated she was to her work in Justice, and she brought passion and commitment to all she did. One of the things Connie gave most was a sense of empathy, understanding, and compassion - inspiring every single person to build a better and more inclusive place for all.



Connie was shy at first to those she met but would always find a way to show kindness and give advice as she watched people – inspiring people to become their best selves. When she would be around family, her laugh was infectious (especially when playing cards) and her personality filled a room, embracing everyone with generosity and love. She was funny, beautiful, and brilliant and always ready with a kind and generous comment for every person she met.



Connie is survived by her sisters and brothers and their partners: Andy (Shirley), Gerald (Yvonne), Lorraine, Evelynn (David), Thelma (Stan), Joe (Susan), Katherine (Murray), Adrienne. She was predeceased by her mother Laverne, her sister Eileen and her nieces Rhonda and Leslie. She is loved so much and missed by her nieces and nephews and their partners: Rod, Andrew, Bradly, Curtis, Craig, Charlene, Cheryl, Makayla, Jeremiah, Stephanie, Joshua, Terrie-Lynn, Kelcee-Lynn, Ivory-Lynn, Kelly (Margaret), Riel(Victoria), Charlotte, McKenzie, Alexsondra, Michelle (RB), Mariah, Tavien, Shawn, Salina, Dayton, Tahlia, Sara(Jake), Mason, Hollyn, Ben, Josh, Kierra, Carrie, Storm, Amanda (Charles), Shayla (Xavier), Shándíien Níłch’i, Anthony, Chayston, Autumn-Lee, Sephera, Mariyaim, Joseph, Benjamin, Gazheek (Karolya), Niigaan, Sarah, Dené (Rich), Kizhay, Misko, Miigziens, Misko (Erica), Shapanakwat, and Kaulu.



Aapiji onishizi gizhewaadzi awe gaa-midekwewid. She was a beautiful and kind Midéwiwin woman. In her final days on this earth, she was supported in her work by her Midé relatives, with special mention to Zhaabashkodeyong Lodge Grand Chief Kirby Nelson, Dave McPhearson, Lucy Ducharme, and Three Fires Fire Chief Virgil Tobias and his partner Marylou Ducharme.



A traditional ceremony took place on December 30 and 31 to set Biidwedamook on her journey to the west. An official service will take place Monday, January 8 at 11:00 a.m. at West St. Paul Crematorium and Funeral Home on 92 Merit Cres., West Saint Paul, MB. Reception to follow.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Jan 06, 2024, Jan 06, 2024