It is with great sadness that the family of Annie Wayash announces her passing on Monday, July 20, 2020 at her home in Mitaanjigamiing First Nation.
She was born on April 25, 1942 in Nigigoonsiminikaaning First Nation to Andrew and Evelyn Morrison. She moved to Seine River First Nation as a young girl to attend Day School, it was here that she met her first husband, Raymond Johnson, and settled down to raise her family. She was widowed at a young age and was blessed with a second husband, Billy Wayash. They spent over 50 wonderful years together. Annie was an outgoing woman who was well liked, she always ran into friends no matter how far she travelled. As a young woman she worked at Mudge’s Camp, and sat as Band Councillor before finding her calling in Education, she worked for many years as Education Counsellor for Mitaanjigamiing. She was often sought out for advice and help. She had a gentle way of making you see the right way and wasn’t afraid to speak her mind. She enjoyed dancing, camping, sewing, planting flowers, decorating her yard at Christmas, gambling, making jingle dresses, teaching language and traditions, cleaning her house, traveling and spending time with her grandchildren. She spent hours on the phone keeping in touch with friends and family. She will be greatly missed for her warm and generous heart.
Annie will be greatly missed by her mother Evelyn Morrison; her four sons Brian Sr. (Carrie Ann), Bill Jr. (Carol), Colin and Garrett; two daughters Sandra Wayash-Calder (Jay) and Pamela Johnson (John); grandchildren Ray, Daniel and JoAnna, Brian Jr., Kayla, Ashley, Deanna, Ty, Chantal, Damon, William, Sebastian, Riley, Joel, Raiina-Summersett; great-grandchildren Evander, Nolan, Lyannah, Peyton, Piersten, Amariah, Cory, Kyrie, Merrick, Maverick, Miah-Rose, Phoenix, Peter, Zahara, DeAndre, Liam, Jasper, Willow; nieces Elaine, Roberta, Debra and Carol and nephew Ted.
She was predeceased by her father Andrew Morrison; her first husband Raymond Johnson and son Daniel Johnson and her second husband Billy Wayash, her brothers Roy, Andrew, Doyle, and sister Jane.
Both her mother Evelyn and herself practiced Anishinaabe Traditional Adoptions to help to raise children that became orphaned. She considers numerous others as her brothers and sisters and adopted many sons and daughters over the years.
A traditional wake will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2020 at 3:00 p.m. at the Mitaanjigamiing Community Centre. Traditional funeral ceremonies will follow in the morning of Friday, July 24, 2020 with Elder Andrew Johnson officiating. By special request the Agency One Drum will be assisting in ceremony.
The honorary/active pallbearers will be Brian Wayash Sr., Bill Wayash Jr., Gary Wayash, John Yerxa, Jay Wayash-Calder, William Wayash, Damon Wayash, Brian Wayash Jr., Ray Johnson, Daniel Johnson and Elton Brown.
If friends so desire in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, ON, P9A 3M8.
Online condolences may be made in care of www.greenfuneralhomefortfrances.com.
We will be practicing COVID-19 rules. Masks, gloves, and sanitizer will be provided.
MAY ANNIE WAYASH Machigabowiik – Sturgeon Clan
