JEAN SMITH By editorial Wednesday, 7 January 2009 - 1:55pm. Obituaries It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and sister, Jean Smith. She passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 5, 2009 at La Verendrye General Hospital in Fort Frances, Ont. with her family by her side. Jean was born June 2, 1934 in Rainy Lake Reserve to the late Mike and Florence Johnson. Jean grew up learning the Anishinaabe traditional way of life on the shores of Rainy Lake, Ont. She later married Harry Smith, and they raised their five children. Jean spoke fluent Ojibwa and always wore her handmade dresses with a gentle smile. Jean was a strong, hard-working woman who was very talented with her hands. She loved the outdoors, sewing, crocheting rugs, harvesting rice, blueberries, and fish. She also liked cooking, canoeing, walks, and Johnny Cash music, and was great with animals. Jean is survived by her five children, Norma Smith (Ed Snowball), Ray Smith (Fern), Jerry Smith, and Lorne Smith, all of Naicatchewenin First Nation, Ont., and Carl Smith (Bridgette Archie) of Fort Frances, Ont. Also surviving are her brothers and sisters, Annie Bruyere (late Kenny) of Couchiching FN, Louise Johnson-Councillor (Ernestine), Tommy Johnson-Councillor (Rita), and Mary Smith (late Alfred). She was predeceased by her husband, Harry Smith in 1981; two brothers, George and Gerald Johnson; and two sisters, Sally Smith and Betty Prince. A wake will be held Friday evening at the Naicatchewenin First Nation Community Centre. A traditional service will be held Saturday, Jan.10, 2009 in the morning at the Naicatchewenin First Nation Community Centre, with Elder Harry Windego officiating. Jean will be laid to rest in Naicatchewenin First Nation 17B. The pallbearers will be Ed Snowball, Mylo Smith, Glen Smith, Brian Smith, and Ken Bombay. The honourary pallbearers will be Danny Rea, Terry Smith, Helen Allan, and Roseanne Leonard. Should family and friends so desire, in memoriam donations may be made to the Canadian Cancer Society, P.O. Box 444, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8 or c/o Green Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Fort Frances, Ont., P9A 3M8. Online condolences may be offered at www.mem.com