WENDY CHARLENE ORVIS

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WENDY CHARLENE ORVIS "Standing In the Shadow of the Heat Wave" 1952 - 2002 Peacefully, surrounded by family and friends, Wendy Orvis, aged 50 years, passed on, August 7, 2002 at St. Boniface Hospital, Winnipeg. She was predeceased by her father Carl Orvis in 1971. She is survived by her mother and stepfather Marge and Wilfred Anderson; devoted son Derrol Bear and daughters, Jodi Orvis and Andrea Bear; grandchildren, Raquel, Roanna, Brandon, Harley, Destiny, Harvey, Jamie, Jade, Serenity, Sadi; sisters, Lori Smith and Beverly Orvis and brother Kevin Anderson (Jen), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She will be especially missed by best and dearest friends, Josie, Melanie and Justine Hill and her favourite cousin Audrey Kehler, who was like a sister to her. Wendy was blessed with another family, her Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre family, who stayed by her side, always fulfilling her desire never to be alone in her final days. Wendy was born in Selkirk, MB in 1952 and grew up in Grand Marais. She was a single mother who raised and supported her young family on her own. She belonged to that strong network of Aboriginal women who in the 1970s and 1980s sought ways to help their sisters less fortunate than themselves, contributing to the development of such organizations as the Native Womens Transition Centre, Native Clan (Regina House) and the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre. Wendy obtained her Bachelor of Social Work from the University of Manitoba, while balancing her devotion to family, work and community. Wendys memory will always be cherished as a good and loving granny, mother and friend, whos humility and gentle ways will remain in our hearts forever. Her spirit of gentleness rested on all she knew, gracing our lives with kindness. The Sacred Fire has been lit. A wake is being held at the Aboriginal Funeral Chapel, 724 Selkirk Ave., Thursday and Friday, August 8 and 9. A celebration of Wendys life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 10 at the Aboriginal Funeral Chapel. A feast will follow immediately afterwards at 94 McGregor. All are welcome. Her final resting will be a private ceremony with family and friends at a later date. Honorary pallbearers will be Greg Slobodeski, Wally Chartrand, Curtis Smith, Kevin Anderson, Kurby Fults and Doug Hourie. Donations in her memory may be forwarded to the Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, 94 McGregor, Winnipeg, MB, R3W 4V5. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Aboriginal Funeral Chapel, 724 Selkirk Ave., Winnipeg, 586-7700.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 10, 2002