Melissa Ida Meeches

Enaandog-inaazhey Ikwe

(Woman of Many Colors)

With great sadness we announce the passing of Melissa Ida Meeches. Enaandog-inaazhey Ikwe (Woman of Many Colors) began her spirit journey on February 23^rd, 2023.

Melissa was predeceased by her grandparents, Edward and Elizabeth Meeches and Betty Meeches and Mervin Peters; her Father Vernon Meeches (Sho-Sho); and her precious angel, Cooper Wagner-Meeches.

Melissa will be missed dearly by her Mom Natalie and Stepfather Doug Pogue; her children, Callista and Tim; and grandson, The Great Benjamin Coops.

Melissa was a fitness enthusiast. She spent a lot of time hitting the gym doing weights. While Melissa tried many sports and even took up cycling for a while, hiking always remained her passion.

Those close to Melissa were always treated to laughter. There was never a dull moment with her. She had the ability to have us laughing hysterically at the small things that she could make 100X funnier.

Through social media, Melissa kept us a part of her world because she knew we worried. We followed her adventures via Facetime, TikTok, Instagram and other platforms.

Melissa was a proud member of the Long Plain First Nation where she grew up. Melissa also spent time with her other ‘mom,’ Blondie Houle from Ebb n Flow. Melissa kept in contact with many childhood friends.

Melissa loved animals. When she was little and went missing, we could always find her with her pets. Her favorite hiding spot was in the back of Beary Nairy’s doghouse. Sometimes we even caught her in the criminal act of…smoking cigarettes! Melissa was known for dressing up her fur babies in cute outfits. She would make up songs for them and make them dance. A few of her cats even made it to TikTok.

True to her Ojibway roots, Melissa enjoyed attending powwow and ceremony. When she was younger, Melissa danced fancy shawl with her cousins.

Melissa lived life to the fullest. She was a forgiving person who always saw the best in people, and was willing to give anyone another chance. We know now that Melissa was an Earth Angel sent from our ancestors to constantly remind us to be beautiful inside and out; lent to us for a short time.

Wake will take place at Keeshkeemaquah Centre on Monday, March 13, 2023 beginning at 4:00 pm.  Feast and Ceremony will be held at Keeshkeemaquah Centre on Tuesday, March 14, 2023 at noon. Burial will follow at Long Plain Cemetery.

A tree will be planted in memory and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel.  www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com