Obituary of Lena O'Watch

Wooden Whistle Woman Lena O' Watch It is with great sadness that the family announces that our mother left to the Spirit world on Monday, November 9, 2009 at the age of 86 years. Lena was predeceased by Martha Ceepeekous, Charlene Whitecap, Bernadette, Ambrose, Isadore, Ralph, Tyson, Delanie, Tysheera, Walking Man, and April Tapaquon, Claudette Poorman, adopted son Frank Kaiswatum, first cousin Dolly Watetch, grandson Les Goforth. Lena is survived by Bernard, Joyce, Virginia Tapaquon, Thelma (Robert) O'Watch. Adopted son, Larry Anaquod and special dog Ozzy. The following were raised from infancy Enole (Chris), Martha (Gilbert), Patricia (Garfield), Jason, Ambrose Jr. (Mellisa), Lena Marie Tapaquon, and Quentin O'Watch. Grandchildren Darren (Sandra), Lisa (Barry), Julie, Heather, Shelley, Darnell, Joseph, Jana-Lynn, Marilyn, Nathan, Justin, Everette, Adam Tapaquon, Preston and Delanie O'Watch. Adopted family members: Wavell Starr, Perry Bellegarde, Glenda, Randi, Langan Goforth, Joe O'Watch, and Trina Pelletier. Extended families the Goforth's, Watetch's, Mantee's and the Poorman's. Lena also leaves behind 57 Great Grandchildren, and 6 Great Great Grandchildren. Wooden Whistle Woman was born on Gordon's First Nation on March 9, 1923. Her family was originally from the Yellowquill First Nation but eventually moved to Kawacatoose First Nation. She only had one brother, George Ceepeekous, and both lived on Kawacatoose until Lena moved over to Carry the Kettle First Nation. She raised many children. She was an extremely kind, caring, gentle, and generous woman with no thought of regard to her own financial security. She would help anyone in need. Lena devoted her family to the pow-wow trail in the 1970's. She was a champion traditional dancer and was well known by many people on the pow-wow trail. Lena, Bernard, and the rest of the family would travel all over the place to attend pow-wows. She was also skilled in native arts and crafts. Many people looked up to Lena as an Elder in the community and she will be deeply loved and missed by all who knew her. The family would like to thank all those who helped us care for our mother and to those who were there to support the family during this difficult time. Special thanks to Rhonda Pelletier. Traditional wake will be held on Carry the Kettle First Nation Band Hall on Thursday, November 12 at 4 pm. Feast on Friday, November 13 at 10 am with service to follow at 11 am. Interment at north cemetery. Officiating Rev. Bernice Saulteaux and Elder Clifford Carrier. Children are welcome to attend feast and funeral services only.