Susan Thomas

Susan Elaine Thomas 

Nozhekwe odizhinikaaso, Makwa Ododeman, Naaning Omideo, Sagkeeng Owenji. 

August 28, 1955 - February 8, 2025 

With saddened hearts we are sharing the news that Nozhekwe has passed from this world and is now Anjiakiing (changing worlds). 

Nozhekwe loves to share teachings and instructions, and to share songs, food and tobacco in the Mide teaching lodge and Mide Initiation Lodge. She loves all our Mide and ceremony relatives. 

She loves to be sitting in the Kaskichigeogamik (Sundance lodge) and to pray for all the women who pierce, drag and make flesh offerings to bring life for their loved ones. 

She loves to sit in the Matoodiswan (sweatlodge) and give comfort and share the songs and teachings of the little boy. 

She is a beautiful Anishinaabe woman who has completed her work here, being a leader in her work, in her ceremony life and in her family and community. 

She is proud of her marriage to Dan and all their loving children: Rose (Kash), Dan jr (Miranda), Lindey, Ginew (Krystal), Aaron (Crissy), Heather, Matthew, Orvis (Rebecca) and Patrick (Lacie). She is thankful for all 31 grandchildren (and one on the way) and for great granddaughter Talia. 

She loves her mom Kay Courchene who she looked up to as the matriarch of the family, Auntie Doreen Sinclair, sister Kathy and brothers Wayne, Myles (Charlene) and Jeff (Linda), numerous nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends of the family. She so appreciates the love and friendship of uncle Frank Orvis and Gail. 

Nozhekwe was preceded by her father Bert, her brother Chris, her sons Jason and Christopher, and nephew Donovan. She was also preceded by her friend and sister--in law Margo, her father and mother-in-law and brother-in-law Howard. 

A sacred fire was lit on Sunday, February 9, 2025. A traditional wake service will be held at the family home in Gull Lake, Manitoba, from February 10-12, 2025. Family and friends are invited to attend the ceremonies on February 10th and 11th at 7:00 p.m., and on February 12th from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the kindness, support, and exceptional care provided to Nozhekwe by the dedicated staff in the Emergency Department, GH7, GH4 and the MICU/IICU at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The love and compassion shown to them during Nozhekwe's time in the hospital went above and beyond, making a lasting impact during a difficult time.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Susan Thomas, please visit our floral store.