Sarah’s Obituary
Dedibaayaanimanook Sarah Keesick Olsen, age 100 years, began her journey to be with her ancestors on October 5, 2022 at 10:45 a.m. in Winnipeg where she resided with her daughter, Helen, for the last several years. She is predeceased by her life partner, Giigooyikewinini Einar Olsen (d. 1987), her only son, Ingosis Harald Einar Olsen (d. 1998) and her grandson, Dylan Knut Olsen Bokvist (d. 2021).
Dedibaayaanimanook was born in Gaaminitigwashkiigaag in Namegosibiing Trout Lake on April 29, 1922 where she spent her childhood. She was educated exclusively in Anishinaabewisiwin, learning how to trap, bead, gather, and hunt from a very young age. She was knowledgeable in Anishinaabe mashkiki medicine and travelled the old traditional canoe routes between Namegosibiing and Obizhigokaang Lac Seul. She lived in Namegosibiing with Giigooyikewinini where they raised 6 children. It was difficult for Dedibaayaanimanook to have them leave for school every fall, knowing that she could not teach them her culture. But she worked hard fishing alongside Giigooyikewinini and keeping their home to ensure that they were educated. As Giigooyikewinini and Dedibaayaanimanook grew older, they moved to Red Lake, residing there for over 45 years. She established an enduring friendship with the Mennonites.
Dedibaayaanimanook is deeply missed by her five daughters: Alice (d. Doug) Williams, Helen (Garth) Agger, Kaaren (Phil) Dannenmann, Anita (d. Elijah) Harper and Irene (Peter) Thompson.
Her grandchildren are: (Alice) Donna, Keesic, Sagateh, Sarah; (Helen) Leslie; (Kaaren) Marney, Kaaren, Michael; (Anita) Karen, Gaylen, Grant; (Irene) Riel.
Her great grandchildren are: (Donna) Devin, Alysha; (Sagateh) Amelia, Sinnead, Hanna; (Leslie) Emilia-Helen; (Marney) Sarah, Anton, Auna; (Kaaren) Shayne, Mac; (Karen) Kieran, Anna-Lise; (d. Dylan) Payton; (Grant) Vada.
Her great great grandchildren are (Amelia) Jax; (Devin) Shaawano Sutton.
A wake at Forestry Fellowship Hall will be held on Friday evening, 7:00 – 10:00 p.m., October 7th, 2022. A funeral at the Red Lake Royal Canadian Legion will be held on Saturday morning at 10:00 a.m., October 8th, 2022. Burial will be at the Namegosibiing traditional cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, friends of Dedibaayaanimanook may make a donation to the Red Lake Area Emergency Shelter or the New Starts Women’s Shelter through the Red Lake Chapel, Box 237, Red Lake, ON P0V 2M0.
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Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Sarah Keesick Olsen 2022..
Red Lake Funeral Chapel Limited
Death notice for the town of: Red Lake, Province: Ontario