Memorials

SHAWANA--In loving memory of Clayton Francis Shawana, December 5, 2005.
To our beloved husband, father, grandpa and father-in-law.
It's been one year since you've been gone.
Thinking back, you prepared us for the end in your own way.
And we began to see that our time with you would be short.
That day God called you home and you quickly said,
"I will go home to live in your presence.
"God knew the pain you had and said
You didn't have to life with it anymore.
You were a strong man in life
And you went home like a hero.
Knowing you are resting in heaven gives us great comfort
In our hearts you will always be... fond, loving memories
And words of wisdom, forever ours.
There is no death but a place where
You and the creator await us all.
Love from your wife Marcella, children and grandchildren.
Manitoulin Expositor, December 6, 2006

SHAWANA-- In memory of Irene Jackson Shawana who died June 11, 1995.
We see her in the soft moonlight,
A face we love the best
Recalling her as the moon's last rays,
We can never close our hearts
Her love the best we recall,
She is still the dearest of all.
Love Rosemary W. and her Pet, Amy Jo.
Manitoulin Expositor, June 10, 2009

SHAWANA--In loving memory of Lloyd Louis, our Dad, our Friend, our King, who passed away February 25, 2003.
There is a bridge of memories
From here to heaven above
That keeps you very close to us
It's called a bridge of love.
As time goes on without you
And days turn into years,
They hold a million memories
And a thousand silent tears.
You were very special
What more is there to say,
Except to wish with all our hearts,
That you were here today.
Forever remembered, forever loved; Bruce, Theresa, Ian, Lindsay, Jake and the rest of your Crew!
Manitoulin Expositor, February 22, 2006

SHAWANDA--In loving memory of Bee Dah Ba No Kwe (Margaret), born April 7, 1942, Died September 21, 1998.
The War Rages On
My senses tell me you’re gone
the pungent odour of wreaths
an expressionless face, a body lies still
laughter and words of wisdom silenced forever
hands no longer reaching for the ones you love
home cooked meals no longer nourish our family
To be sure my mind replays the scenes over and over holding you hand, feeling warmth fade away
feeling soft hands turn to stone
hearing your last breath,
closing your eyes for you
My heart pleaded for your rest
you’ve suffered so much
you’ve lived a full life in a very short time
no one deserves rest more
Yet my mind screams for more time with you
just you and me, alone together
a precious last day, even an hour, just one moment
enough time for me to say
“It has been my honour and my privilege to have you in my life”
You already know this to be true, of that I am certain
Yet so many truths remain unsaid
Too many heart felt words are never shared
I anxiously await the time when we meet again
when our souls can embrace when I am free of this body
I know death can reunite us, but can love do the same?
Can my love bring you back to me?
I had never felt such emptiness, loneliness, I am broken and useless
I haven’t the strength to go on, nor have I the conviction to end it all now
And I want to believe that love is stronger than death… until then, the war rages on
--Written November, 1999 by Mshkwaa Ode Ihkwe (Jacinta Shawanda)
Manitoulin Expositor, September 20, 2000

SHERING--In loving memory of Vera Shering.
Forever missed,
Forever treasured,
Loving you always,
Forgetting you never.
--Your daughter Carolyn and family.
Manitoulin Expositor, August 9, 2006

(Surname not identified, believe it to be SHIGWADJA)
My First Christmas in Heaven
We see the countless Christmas trees around the world below
With tiny lights, like Heaven's stars reflecting on the snow.
The sight is so spectacular, please wipe away the tear
For we are spending Christmas with Jesus Christ this year.
We hear the many Christmas songs that people hold so dear
But the sounds of music can't compare with the Christmas choir up here.
We have no words to tell you, the joy their voices bring,
For it's beyond description to hear the angels sing.
--From Shigwadja and Corbiere families.
Manitoulin Expositor, December 24, 2001

(Surname not identified, believe it to be SHIGWADJA)
"If I Knew"
If I knew it would be the last time, that I see you's walk out the door,
I would give you's a hug and kiss, call you's back for one more.
If I knew it would be the last time, I'd hear your voices lifted up in praise.
I would video tape each action and word, so I could play them back day after day.
If I knew it would be the last time, I could spare a minute or two to stop and say "I love you's" instead, of assuming you's would KNOW I do.
If I new it would be the last time, I would be there to share your day, well I'm sure you'll have so many more, so I can let just this one slip away.
For surely there's always tomorrow, to make up for an oversight, and we always get a second chance, to make everything right.
There will always be another day, to say our "I love Yous"
An certainly there's another chance, to say our "Anything I can dos?"
But just in case I might be wrong, and today is all I get,
I'd like to say how much I love you's and I hope we never forget,
Tomorrow is not promised to anyone, young or old alike,
And today may be the last chance, you get to hold your loved one tight.
So if you're waiting for tomorrow, why not do it today?
For if tomorrow never comes, you'll surely regret the day.
That you didn't take that extra time, for a smile, a hug, or a kiss and you were too busy to grant someone, what turned out to be their last wish.
So hold your loved ones close today, whisper in their ear.
Tell them how much you love them, and that you'll always hold them dear, Take time to say "I'm Sorry," "Please forgive me,"
"Miigwetch" and "It's okay"
And if tomorrow never comes you'll have no regrets about today.
November 27, 2001.
Debbiann Manitowabi
Manitoulin Expositor, November 27, 2002

SHIGWADJA--To my Father: We were all gathered in Mindemoya Hospital, Friday, July 12, 2002, because a man named Emerick Shigwadja decided to up and leave us.
He stayed with us longer than Grandpa Joe Plug, and Momma Philomene, Uncle Alex, Mike and Andrew.
And Aunt Elizabeth and Sandra.
We can be assured that he is now in Heaven with them
Nice and Cozy.
He left behind a brother named Jacob,
Who is with them in Heaven.
He also left Auntie Marie
Who happens to be his older sister.
He was a favourite Uncle to many of his
Nephews and Nieces
He could make them all laugh and fall to pieces.
He leaves in-laws and dear friends that fondly remember
What a great guy he was, so kind and tender.
His grandchildren,
Rosemary, Jenni-Lee, Shawn, Raymond, Cody, Sophie, Candi, Heidi, Dylan, Petrina, Corey, Jamie, Alex, Nimkeehns, Blossom, Cameron, Sheldon, Drew, Airranna, Hunter,
Whom he treasured
... all the greatest love for their Poppa that could never be measured.
And unfortunately was unable to welcome into the family a wonderful Great Granddaughter
Mackenzie Wahsnodeh
Whom he would have treasured.
His daughters, Elizabeth, Dorothy and Glenda
His sons, Joe Alex, Kenneth, Bartello, Deano, Freddie and Mark whom all miss so dearly.
Not a day goes by of when they all have something to say of what they miss the most of him. He knew he was the luckiest guy in the nation
Because he was able to spend his life with a
Wonderful woman named Margaret
My name is Debbiann and I am his middle daughter,
I cannot express how proud I am to have had
Emerick Shigwadja as my father.
Mii-gwetch Poppa
Manitoulin Expositor, July 13, 2005

SHIGWADJA--In loving memory of Hector Shigwadja.
Dad, our memory of you
Will live forever in our hearts
We will always miss you
We will always love you
No one can take your place
Years may come and go
But your memory will never be erased
Till we meet again.
Love your daughter Stella and family.
Manitoulin Expositor, December 17, 2008

SHIGWADJA--In loving memory of Jacob Shigwadja who passed away Nov. 25, 2003. A father and grandfather.
He fought so hard to stay with us
He knew we'd miss him so
But God knew he was hurting
And said it's time to go.
He suffered long without complaint
Oh yes, he paid his dues
He never once said "pity me"
Just smiled and saw it through.
His pain has stopped, the hurting done,
How we miss his dear sweet face
God took his hand and led him home
He's in a better place.
One year ago he left us
With fond memories every more
We all know he will be waiting
On the other shore.
We love you very much. Melissa and Natasia Desmoulin and grandchildren Faith, Breanne, Hope and Alex.
Manitoulin Expositor, December 8, 2004

Clipart and background from: J. O. D's Old Fashioned B & W Clip Art Collection