Mary Perswain
May 23, 1944 — January 10, 2018
Mary Lorraine Perswain
(nee Beaulieu)
May 23, 1944 – January 10, 2018
It is with great sadness we announce the passing of our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend.
Mary was born in Sandy Bay First Nation. In 1959 she met Andrew Perswain and married him in 1961, from there she lived her life on the Long Plain First Nation. They raised eight children: Andrew Jr., Arlene (Warren), Allan (Denice), Vince (Crystal), Sandra, Roger (Michelle), Peter (Monica) and Gerry.
Mary was recently predeceased by her husband Andrew; son-in-law Edward J. Prince; grandchildren Michael “Mike” Perswain, Krista Lee Peters and great granddaughter Cherish Wasicuna.
Mary is survived by her children; all her grandchildren; brother Walter Beaulieu; sister Bernadette Ames; brother-in-law David Perswain (Lorraine); sisters-in-law Mary Jane Perswain, Annie McLean and all their families.
Mary was a very devoted Roman Catholic Christian woman and also embraced on a daily basis the seven teachings of her people; Love, Humility, Honesty, Wisdom, Courage, Truth and Respect. Mary was a residential school survivor and she endured her circumstances during this period. Her career was focused on Child and Family Services and was a lifelong advocate to help the families within the agency. She also served on the Long Plain First Nation Council for 16 years and was not afraid to speak her mind with a woman’s insight at the world.
She was also a lifelong animal lover and leaves behind her beloved pets; Reba, Dora, Buddha, Precious, Millie and KooKoo Muffin.
The family was prepared for her passing and there is comfort in knowing she has gone to join Andrew and other loved ones that passed before her.
The family would like to thank Diane Roulette, Debbie Beaulieu and Anthony Perswain for checking up on her during the last days of her life. We also appreciate the comfort and care provided by the staff of the Portage District General Hospital.
A special viewing will take place at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel on Friday, January 12, 2018 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm. Funeral Service will be at the Spirit Lodge in Long Plain First Nation on Saturday, January 13, 2018 starting at 11:00 am with the Feast at 12:00pm. The burial will proceed to the Perswain Historical cemetery at 2:00pm.
If friends so desire, donations may be made in Mary’s memory to the Heart & Stroke Foundation of Manitoba, 6 Donald St, Winnipeg, MB, R3L OK6 , or to the Canadian Diabetes Association, 200 – 310 Broadway, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0S6.
A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. 204-857-4021 www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com