Mum was born in Batchewana First Nation and raised by her father Phillip and her extended family. Her mother, Beatrice Day, passed on shortly after Mum’s birth. Mum spent her early years in Batchewana and Goulais Mission when she was taken to St. Anne’s Indian Residential School in Spanish, Ontario. Mum rarely spoke of her time there. Those experiences never diminished her kind and generous nature, rather those experiences instilled determination.
Mum met our father, John Syrette, and had five children together. Our oldest sister Cindy predeceased our parents, and this was a devastating event that deeply impacted Mum. She is survived by sons John (Annelind), Paul, daughters Ruth Ann Syrette and Cathy “Gizz” Cassidy (Roger). Grandchildren Peter, Grant, Meaghan, Carter, Brian (Julie), Elizebeth, and Darryl. Great grandchildren Liam, Landon, Jude and Ava.
During her time as our mum, she remained actively aware of the greater First Nations political environment. Mum became more than a casual observer when she envisioned how government decisions would negatively impact her children and future grandchildren. During the seventies she walked a picket line at the local Indian Affairs office and then later onto a larger protest in Ottawa when the federal government cut education funding. She travelled with a contingent to Burnt Church New Brunswick to support our Micmac brothers and sisters.
Mum’s greatest joy was spending time with her family, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. Mum was a fixture at the hockey rinks when one of her grandchildren or great grandchildren were on the ice. Mum was always there with advice, support and her unconditional love for her grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Mum’s family was with her when she passed in her eighty fifth year at her home in Garden River First Nation.
The family would like to thank the palliative care doctors and staff at the hospital who facilitated her transition to her home. Special thank you to Lisa Jones (Belleau) for her years of care and devotion as Mum’s personal support worker. Thanks also to Julie Gregoire-Van Luven for her support.
Family and friends are invited visit at Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. East; 705-759-2522) on Friday, January 3, 2025 from 11 am to 12:30 pm. Funeral service will follow at 1 pm. Rev. Robert Mugisha officiating. Memorial donation (payable by cheque or online) to Heart & Stroke Foundation or to Kidney Foundation would be appreciated. Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be offered at www.arthurfuneralhome.com for the Syrette family.
“A Mother’s love is the closest thing to God’s.”