Obituary for Genevieve "Genny" McGinnis
Genevieve McGinnis
Zaagimaakwe (Head Water Spirit Lady)
Zhiishiib Ododeman
With intense sorrow we announce the passing of Genevieve, (Genny) our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend on January 30, 2020.
Genny grew up at Long Sault as a child then moved to Manitou Rapids where she met and married Harold (Hank) McGinnis. They spent 49 years together and welcomed 6 children.
She is survived by 5 of her children; Leona, Beverly (Allan), Agnes (Gilbert), Sonny (Mirinda) and Willie (Tina). Grandchildren; Jason, Marty, Joal , Robin, Genny, Katie, Justin, Cote, Todd, Jilana, Shana, Dylan, Melissa and Ruthann. Great Grandchildren; Bryton, Divina, Paige, Oshyn, Bayzhik, Brandon, Rowdy, Caden, Hank, Mila, Kayla, Mya, William, Carter, Daeton, Tianna, Ari, Kennedy, Markus, Animikii, Jaelin, Jersey, Dallas, Ian, Jaden, Rena, Rya, Laney, Destiny, Reece, Harmony, Joshua, Journey, Serenity, Kasin. Great, Great grandchildren; Karson, Novalee, Theo, Nyah and August.
She is also survived by her siblings; Willie Wilson (Carol) and Roberta Sinclair (John Wayne), Aunt Mary Ellen Miller (Bob) and Uncle Ben Harrison.
Genny had a big heart adopting other children into her life over the years including Donna Morrisseau and her large extended family.
She was predeceased by her husband Hank, son Darrell, grandsons Joshua, Ian, adopted sons John Copenace, Adrian Perrault and great grandson Justin Jr.
Genny had a very special and unique relationship with each grandchild as she celebrated births, birthdays, barbecues and family gatherings with all.
When Genny was done raising her children, she went back to school to complete a degree in Native Language at Lakehead University. She was the first Native Language Consultant for Rainy River Board of Education. She created the first ever curriculum for Anishinaabemowin for K-12 in Ontario. She made many long lasting friends throughout her career with students, teachers and principals.
You could always recognize Genny by how gracefully she carried herself and the way she would dress.
After retirement, Genny represented her community on the Weechi-it-te-win Elder’s Committee for many years and attended many Treaty # 3 elders’ meetings sharing her wisdom.
Genny had a circle of friends at her favorite game of Bingo and as she got older, her grandchildren Ruthann and Justin would take her. She was a big fan of fiddle and country music, she loved gospel music that her parents sang and her favorite song was “In the Sweet Bye and Bye” done in both English and Anishinaabemowin. She had a love for pow wows and loved to travel.
Genny was an avid fan of sports and loved to watch her family play fastball.
Genny’s love for the Creator was private, she acknowledged and gave thanks in her own way every day.
Genny will be so missed by her family and friends.
Her Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 5th from 11am- 2pm at Northridge Funeral Home, Emo Ontario with a final meal for friends and relatives at Emo Legion following.
Zaagimaakwe (Head Water Spirit Lady)
Zhiishiib Ododeman
With intense sorrow we announce the passing of Genevieve, (Genny) our mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great, great grandmother, sister, aunt and friend on January 30, 2020.
Genny grew up at Long Sault as a child then moved to Manitou Rapids where she met and married Harold (Hank) McGinnis. They spent 49 years together and welcomed 6 children.
She is survived by 5 of her children; Leona, Beverly (Allan), Agnes (Gilbert), Sonny (Mirinda) and Willie (Tina). Grandchildren; Jason, Marty, Joal , Robin, Genny, Katie, Justin, Cote, Todd, Jilana, Shana, Dylan, Melissa and Ruthann. Great Grandchildren; Bryton, Divina, Paige, Oshyn, Bayzhik, Brandon, Rowdy, Caden, Hank, Mila, Kayla, Mya, William, Carter, Daeton, Tianna, Ari, Kennedy, Markus, Animikii, Jaelin, Jersey, Dallas, Ian, Jaden, Rena, Rya, Laney, Destiny, Reece, Harmony, Joshua, Journey, Serenity, Kasin. Great, Great grandchildren; Karson, Novalee, Theo, Nyah and August.
She is also survived by her siblings; Willie Wilson (Carol) and Roberta Sinclair (John Wayne), Aunt Mary Ellen Miller (Bob) and Uncle Ben Harrison.
Genny had a big heart adopting other children into her life over the years including Donna Morrisseau and her large extended family.
She was predeceased by her husband Hank, son Darrell, grandsons Joshua, Ian, adopted sons John Copenace, Adrian Perrault and great grandson Justin Jr.
Genny had a very special and unique relationship with each grandchild as she celebrated births, birthdays, barbecues and family gatherings with all.
When Genny was done raising her children, she went back to school to complete a degree in Native Language at Lakehead University. She was the first Native Language Consultant for Rainy River Board of Education. She created the first ever curriculum for Anishinaabemowin for K-12 in Ontario. She made many long lasting friends throughout her career with students, teachers and principals.
You could always recognize Genny by how gracefully she carried herself and the way she would dress.
After retirement, Genny represented her community on the Weechi-it-te-win Elder’s Committee for many years and attended many Treaty # 3 elders’ meetings sharing her wisdom.
Genny had a circle of friends at her favorite game of Bingo and as she got older, her grandchildren Ruthann and Justin would take her. She was a big fan of fiddle and country music, she loved gospel music that her parents sang and her favorite song was “In the Sweet Bye and Bye” done in both English and Anishinaabemowin. She had a love for pow wows and loved to travel.
Genny was an avid fan of sports and loved to watch her family play fastball.
Genny’s love for the Creator was private, she acknowledged and gave thanks in her own way every day.
Genny will be so missed by her family and friends.
Her Celebration of Life will be held on Wednesday, February 5th from 11am- 2pm at Northridge Funeral Home, Emo Ontario with a final meal for friends and relatives at Emo Legion following.