Waankotook – Sky Woman
Omashkooz – Elk Clan
November 19, 1958 – February 13, 2013
On her father’s birthday, after a long and courageous battle with breast cancer, Elizabeth went on her spirit journey to join her father Sam Copenace Sr, and her sister, Caroline.
She leaves behind her husband Isaac Pahpasay and their children Little Bear and Fawn (Michael), step- daughters Laura (Harrison), Patricia and Sharon. Elizabeth cherished her grandchildren Brooklyn, Amara, Eden, and Micah and will be especially missed by Lucas who was always by her side, and step-grandchildren Lydia, Tristin, Jillian, Chloe, Nicholas, Demetrius, Illias, Owen, and Brogan.
Elizabeth is survived by mother Orpha Copenace, her siblings Charles (Anita), Peggy (Ernest) Samuel (Cheryl), Reginald, Terry (Anita), Donald (Ida), and Jennifer. Elizabeth enjoyed a large extended family and was admired by many nephews and nieces. Elizabeth also had a close relationship with her uncle Isaac Mandamin and his family.
Elizabeth was born in Kenora, Ontario. In her early years, her family lived on Windigo Island, Northwest Angle #37 First Nation. Along with her siblings, she attended Cecilia Jeffrey Residential School in Kenora. Her family later moved to Winnipeg for a couple years before returning to live in Kenora in the late 1960’s. She attended Keewatin Public School, moved up to Lakewood High School and graduated from Beaver Brae High School.
In 1978 she met the man who would become her companion for the rest of her life and they moved to Winnipeg and later Grassy Narrows to raise their family. As a mature student, Elizabeth returned to her studies, achieving her Bachelor of Education and worked as a teacher with the Grassy Narrows School.
Elizabeth comes from a powwow family and she proudly carried on the family tradition as a jingle dress dancer. She had many friends on the powwow trail and enjoyed spending time with family at many powwows across northwestern Ontario and Manitoba. Nothing gave her more pride than to see her grandchildren dance in the powwow circle. While Elizabeth was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007, her illness did not prevent her from continuing to dance at or attend powwows until it became physically impossible for her to do so. Elizabeth’s spirit will live on in the jingle dress she wore and in the powwow drum and songs.
There will be a visitation at Browns Funeral Home in Kenora from 3pm-5pm on Friday February 15.
A wake will be held at Elizabeth and Isaac’s home at Grassy Narrows First Nation on Friday February 15 and Saturday February 16, followed by the burial service on Sunday February 17 at 1pm.
Pallbearers will be family and friends.
I thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new. I thought about you yesterday, and days before that too. I think of you in silence, I often speak your name. All I have are memories and your picture in a frame. Your memory is my keepsake, with which I’ll never part. God has you in his keeping; I have you in my heart. Forever and Always.
Elizabeth will now be dancing with her father Sam Copenace.
Online condolences may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com
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