On April 27, 2020 after 2 years of illness, our mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, auntie and friend began her journey to the other side. Dolly will join her “Sweetums” Delford Bob who predeceased her May, 2017.
Dolly was born November 16, 1948 on Manitou Rapids to Janet and James Leonard where she was raised until she married her lifelong partner. She moved to Onigaming where she raised her 2 children, Janet (Neil) and son Junior. Dolly and Delford lived for their grandchildren and great-grandchildren, taking the whole crew on trips to Disney and other ventures.
Dolly was a born advocate who helped many less fortunate. She would be seen at every community event always helping as she knew how.
Dolly went back to school after her children were grown to earn an Honors Bachelor of Arts Degree, an Honors Bachelor of Education Degree and an Honors Diploma in Native Language from Lakehead University. She served as a member of the Seven Generations Board and Weechi-it-te-win Family Services Board. She served on the Shooniiya Board as a representative for the Treaty #3 Women’s Council for many years.
She dedicated 25 years to Onigaming as the Education Counselor, helping many people succeed with post-secondary education. She was a whiz of a proposal writer, achieving many ventures for the community.
Niiyogaabowek embraced her traditional ways following the teachings of her parents to be humble and respect those beliefs. Her relationship with Manido was private and special to her. She never lost faith in spite of her many losses. As a role model for strength and resilience, Dolly leaves her family that memory to carry on.
She leaves behind Janet, her baby girl as she would call her from time to time, and her son Junior, her baby boy who took care of her in her final years. She leaves behind her grandchildren, Jonathan, Janelle, Jared, Jaylene and Samara; her great-grandchildren Carter and Zaiden (highway Bob).
Dolly leaves behind many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends at Manitou Rapids.
A Traditional Ceremony was conducted by Ron (Indian) Mandamin on Monday, May 4, 2020 at 10 a.m. at Onigaming First Nation Gymnasium. Her final resting place will be at Onigaming First Nation Cemetery.
Pall bearers will be “Big” Bob Copenance Jr, Scott Kelly, Miles Kelly, Terry Bob, Matthew Indian, Eagle Copenace.
Honorary pall bearers will be Leona McGinnis, Salena (bebe) Bob, Denis Copenace, Gloria Greene, Diane C.Kelly, Angela Flett.
We will abide with All COVID-19 restrictions and directives. Arrangements entrusted to Northridge Funeral Home Ltd.
The family thanks all and everyone for their support through this difficult time. Gichi Miigwech,
DARLENE (DOLLY) BOB Niiyogaabowek Mooz ododeman
