Tribute

It is with great sorrow that we share the news of the loss of our beloved mother, Anne who passed away peacefully in her home on Thursday, December 27, 2018.

Anne was born a member of the Stellatin First Nation and spent her early years on her father’s farm in Fraser Lake, BC. She attended Lejac Indian Residential School (5 years), prior to being admitted to a TB Sanitorium (5 years), where her two older brothers had passed away, and from where she was finally released at 20 years of age.

Despite the significant loss of her greater childhood, of her Indigenous culture, language, and identity as a First Nations woman, and of her greatest loss, the love, security, and nurturing of a loving family, Anne survived. She lived a life of isolation and struggled to find her way, not only for herself but for her children, and grandchildren. Mom managed to keep her family together even during the 60’s Scoop when the Provinces took over the ongoing process of wrongfully removing Indigenous children from their homes and native land. Yet, despite the tremendous losses and challenges, she endured. She loved her family and had a generous heart. Anne remained a woman of faith and was able to find some peace and solace in her final years. Deeply loved and respected, Mom will be greatly missed and will remain in our hearts forever.

Anne was predeceased by her parents: Nellie Casimir and Donald Allan Ketlo; her Siblings: Walter, Pius, Augustine, and Lucy; by her life-long partner, John, and by her, grandchildren, Joleen, Shawn, Shannon, and Pious.

Anne is survived by her sister, Theresa; her nephews and nieces, Charlene, Fraser and Rachel; Bruce, Diane, Barb, David, and Ronald; by her children, Eric, Patricia, Sharon, Brenda, Georgina, and Bonnie; and by her grandchildren, Theresa, Bruce, Kory, and Cayce; Jason, Cher and Waylon; Adam and Nathan; Lee; and Christopher and Blake, and her many great grandchildren.

A private celebration of mom’s life took place early in the New Year (2019). Anne will be laid to rest back in her home community as requested. Donations can be made to local food banks, charities, to any Aboriginal programs and/or services, and especially, to any events that help to facilitate the Truth and Reconciliation (Education and Healing) process.