Maxine Joan Shawongonabe

In Loving Memory of

Maxine Joan Shawongonabe

Gchitwa-Kwe

Sunrise January 22, 1953 – Sunset January 12, 2022

Gchitwa-Kwe made her spirit journey to the Western Doorway at the age of 68.  She passed away suddenly in her home in Wiikwemkoong.

Dear daughter of the late Elizabeth and Paul Abel.

Loving mother of James Roy and Victor Roy.

Will be missed by Christopher “Small Boy” Roy and her in-laws.

Sadly, missed by grandchildren Amira Deer-Roy, Mercedes Roy, Tyler Roy, Shyanne Sandiford, Dawson Sandiford, and Blade Roy-ba.

Dear sister of Raymond Abel (wife Jennifer), Roxanne Recollet (husband Ted), Sylvia Recollet (husband Bruce), Rubina Nebenionquit (husband Dean), Brenda Jacko, Terry Wabegijig (wife Olive), Clarence Roy (wife Catherine), Lawrence Shawongonabe (wife Joanne), Lloyd Shawongonabe (wife Audrey).  Predeceased by her sister Madeline Bitti (husband Vince), sister Bridget Elliott (late husband Angus), sister Jennifer Copegog (husband Larry), and brother Joe Roy (late wife Daphne).   Maxine will be sadly, missed by all her aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and godchildren. Special acknowledgement to her mentors, Uncle J and Auntie Tina.

Dear friend of Katherine Beddows, Norma Peltier, Phyliss Williams, Allison Fisher, Shirley Nashkawa, Gertie Manitowabi and Gerard Sagassige.  

She had created a lot of meaningful friendships across Turtle Island. 

Gchitwa-Kwe had shared many cultural teachings and ceremonies, throughout her helping roles at N’Swakamok Native Friendship Centre, Correctional Service Canada – Kingston Penitentiary - Joyceville Institution, Wikwemikong Health Centre programs, Ngwaagan Gamig Recovery Center and Wikwemikong Justice Program.  She had given clients and family members their spirit names and provided spiritual guidance. Gchitwa-Kwe had other gifts that she like to share like card readings and dream interpretations.  Many really enjoyed how she interpreted your personality and character in the way you put together your Kinder Surprise toy.

GChitwa-Kwe from the M’kwa Clan enjoyed dancing and attending powwows; facilitating women’s circles and teachings; playing Yahtzee, especially with niece Allison; watching movies while giving you a play by play of the movie; gambling at the OLG casinos; and she loved spending time with all her family and friends, and making special memories with all who she encountered.  Gchitwa-kwe lived truly by the Seven Grandfather principles as she was thoughtful, generous; always willing to help others.  And lastly, she had the gift of gab while showing her sense of humour.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions, there will be no wake service or viewing.

Cremation on Friday, January 14, 2022

Celebration of Life will be coordinated for a later date

Cards of Condolences for the family can be mailed to 15 Willow Street, Wikwemikong, ON, P0P2J0

Miigwetch to Ontario Works, Wikwemikong Health Centre and Island Funeral Home for their support

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