Pearl Pelletier

Pearl Pelletier (nee Woods)

Wakhcha Duta Omani Win

“Sacred Flower Walking Woman”

June 28, 1934 – October 5, 2019

While at her home in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on October 5, 2019, Pearl passed away peacefully while she was sleeping.

Pearl is survived by her Sons, Richard (Laura), Ray (Jamie), Robert, and her adopted son Stanford; Grandchildren Raymond, Heather, Michelle and Robert; Brothers Keith (Marianne), Nelson (Judy) and Faron. She is also survived by numerous Nieces and Nephews.

She was predeceased by her Husband Raymond in 2008; her Parents George and Barbara Woods, and Siblings, Rosemary, Marjorie, Virginia, Herman Wayne, Grant, Bernice, Lloyd, Barbara, Joyce, and Charlotte.

Kunsi Pearl was born at home on June 28, 1934 on Long Plain First Nation, second child to George and Barbara Woods. She spent many years in the Portage Residential School System. Her experiences there created the strong woman she was, and through that strength of character, she spearheaded a petition asking the provincial government to remove the statute of limitation on certain crimes, which allowed residential school survivors to bring lawsuits against the government.

On January 12, 1959, Pearl married Raymond (Bud) Pelletier. This was the start of the most beautiful relationship that produced three wonderful boys, and lasted 5 months short of 50 years. In their younger years, the two of them spent many years working on a travelling carnival sharing their knowledge of life on the road with many family members and friends they worked with and often mentored. She would describe how tired they would be when the season was over and how they both said they weren’t doing this next year. Come spring, the both of them could not wait to get back out on the road and visit the country, one stop at a time.

Pearl always felt her greatest accomplishment in life was her three sons. She was so proud of them, no matter what they decided to do in life. She would tell them, “Just be happy. That’s all that counts”.

Advice she took herself as Pearl worked many years at Be-Ayre Rentals until passing her knowledge to her daughter-in-law, Laura, upon her retirement. Anyone who knew Pearl through the business (including customers) also knew she was the boss in the back end of the business. She was on top of everything that happened and Laura carries that part of Pearl with her in that same shop to this day. Pearl had the ability to impress herself upon people and you would see that in each and every person she met.

Above all, Kunsi Pearl loved visits from her grandchildren, all of them, and listening to them tell their stories of the goings on in their lives. One of her greatest attributes was her ability to connect to younger generations and guide or counsel them through life’s trials.

At home and especially around a holiday, if anyone did any cooking or baking with Pearl, you would know her favorite line was “presentation is everything!” It had to be just perfect and plated in the best crystal dish, or it wasn’t good enough. She was very particular about anything that went out of her kitchen and hearing her distinct boisterous laugh during preparation made the occasion all the more memorable.

Pearl and Bud never had a daughter of their own but she loved spending time with her niece, Dee, making pickles, or Jam. She and Dee also spent many trips visiting Canupawakpa for flower day, visiting family, or just shopping. She was like a daughter and everyone knew everything about their time together. Pearl also loved spending time with her cousin, Patsy. They often went visiting family, and sometimes went on road trips together just for the fun of it.

Pearl would often talk about who stopped by today or who called her today. She appreciated those calls and visits.

In her later years, Pearl’s son, Rob, was her main care provider. Anyone who knows Pearl, knows she’s was a tough woman to please. Rob cared for Pearl with a deep love, and Pearl held a very special place for Rob in her heart for his tremendous efforts. She also loved her visits and phone calls from her “Number One Son”, Richard. She would look forward to the next time her eldest son would call or stop by and share his days with her. Pearl was always so proud of Ray’s early academic achievements and later in life how he drew on lessons learned from her and Bud on how to be a great parent.

“We love you Mom” are the strongest words we can say but it doesn’t convey how much you really meant to us. As we have a part of you to carry through life in us, you took a piece of each of us with you when you went on to be with Dad.

Wake will be held on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at the Long Plain Spirit Lodge beginning at 4:00 pm. Feast and Ceremony to begin at 12 noon on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at the Long Plain Spirit Lodge. Burial to follow at the Woods Myran Cemetery.

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