BERTHA DARLENE FONTAINE (BIRD) OSHAWI GINEW IKWE (GOLDEN EAGLE WOMAN)

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BERTHA DARLENE FONTAINE (nee BIRD) OSHAWI GINEW IKWE (GOLDEN EAGLE WOMAN) December 30, 1957 March 27, 2014 It is with great sadness and heavy hearts we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother, and grandmother Bertha who lost her battle to cancer with her family by her side. Bertha has battled cancer since 2001 and tried everything we possibly could to beat it but eventually, she lost her battle. Bertha will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her husband Keith of 40 years; son Rick, (Wendy), and their children, Micheal, Rayonna, Brandan and Ricki; daughter Robin (Larry), and their children, Jordan, Ethan, Logan, and Morgan; son Ryan; her grandson Evan whom she raised as her own; and her beloved fat cat Tia. She is also survived by her brothers Bill (Vera); Joseph (Alice); David (Paula); Bradley; Randle (Susan); Dennis (Elaine); Lawrence (Samantha); Eugene (Yvette); and her sisters Elizabeth (Richard); and Cheyenne (Darren), and Special friends Eileen Cadieux and Elva Bruce whom she also referred to as her sisters. She is survived by many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins too numerous to mention. Also surviving her are her many friends from South East Collegiate where she worked for many years. Bertha was predeceased by her parents, William and Christina Bird; her grandparents, Jim and Flora Starr; Alex and Elizabeth Bird, her great-grandmother Mrs. Dorie whom she never forgot and always spoke of lovingly, her brother John whom she lovingly referred to as Jon Jon, her mother and father-in-law Alphonse and Virginia Fontaine, her special friends Sharon Fountain and Betty Beardy, plus many nephews, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Bertha's mental strength and courage were extremely evident and amazing to all family and friends who spent time with her while she battled her illness. Bertha's family will always treasure the special bond that they had with her on this earth. Bertha taught her family to strive for excellence and to not give up no matter what. Wake services will be held at Christ Anglican Church in Sagkeeng beginning on March 27, 2014 at 8:00 p.m. and will end on March 30, 2014. Funeral service will begin at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, March 30, 2014. Rev. Richard and Nancy Bruyere officiating. Funeral services will end at the church as Mom will be cremated at her request. A small family interment will take place at a later time. The family would like to extend their wishes that they be joined by everyone for a feast at the end of the service. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be all her family and siblings. The family extends much appreciation and sincere gratitude to special friends Gerry and Betty Shriver, who helped look after Mom during her battle; the many doctors, nurses and staff at CancerCare Manitoba, Dr. Gary Harding, Kristi Morydz, Elizabeth Payne; the Palliative Care staff at St. Boniface Hospital and the home visits; Dr. Duerksen at the Concordia Clinic; Dr. Lambrects at the Sagkeeng Health Centre; Terry Bell and Sho Tai Health Trek; the Southeast Collegiate; and to the many other friends who kept Mom's spirits up. Thank you all so very much for the compassion you all had for Mom in her time of need. It meant so much to us and we will never forget it. Funeral arrangements entrusted to; Personal Funeral Services Rock Fontaine Funeral Director Honour-Respect-Dignity In Winnipeg 223-2576 or toll free 1(866)499-2601

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As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Mar 29, 2014