ANDREA ~ OGIMAAKWE
CECILIA MARIE ANDREA MCGRAW
WAAWAASHKESH DOODEM
SUNRISE: JANUARY 6, 1942
SUNSET: JUNE 7, 2016
The Creator called Andrea home on June 7, 2016. Surrounded by loved ones, she left gently to join her beloved husband Adolphus (Bushkit) McGraw, her children: Sharon Ann and Brenda, in the Spirit World. Proud mother of Morgan (Whitney) and Angela (Bryan). Cherished nokomis of Cheyenne, Jadah, Savannah, Navayah, Saramarie and Annalise. She is predeceased by her parents: Lawrence Debassige and Virginia (Peltier) Debassige and brothers: Melvin and Lornie Debassige. She shall forever be lovingly remembered by her brother Roque Debassige and sisters: Rose Mary Debassige, Anna Mae Debassige, Wilma Debassige, Isla Debassige and Laurie (Perry) McLeod-Shabogesic. Ogimaakwe led by the most powerful way possible, by example. She was both a residential school survivor and fluent Ojibwe language speaker. As one of the first Community Health Representatives (CHRs) in Canada, she dedicated her life to the well-being of Anishinabe people. She was also very proud to serve her community as Councillor. Through the years she fostered many children, including her sister Laurie and loved her nephews and nieces: Falcon, Dakota, Echo and Angel as if they were her own grandchildren. She was a powerful advocate, a protector of children, carrier of wisdom and loved for her incredible kindness. She loved all of her nieces and nephews dearly and will be missed by many cousins and relatives across both Canada and the United States. Family and friends gathered at Saswaahns Spiritual Centre Thursday, June 9, from 2 pm. Funeral Services were at Saswaahns Spiritual Centre at 2 pm on Saturday, June 11, 2016. Burial will be at M’Chigeeng First Nation Cemetery. Record your thoughts, memories and photos at www.islandfuneralhome.ca.
