Alice Rowland (Petawanikweb)
Saasegaashiik Odigoon
Ogiishkimansii Ododeman
Sunrise: May 3, 1941 – Sunset: January 20, 2024
Our mom, grandma, great-grandma, sister, aunt, great-aunt, cousin and friend; our beautiful Alice, began her journey to the Spirit World on January 20, 2024, at the age of 82. After a long battle with rheumatoid arthritis and other illnesses associated with the disease, she left earth-side with family by her side.
Alice joins her late husband Fred Rowland in the Spirit World, whom she cared for and loved endlessly. Also welcoming her to the Spirit World are her parents: Tetaabsibines/Jim Petawanikweb and Mary Mongoose; her paternal grandparents: Aasin/Charlie Mongoose and Kichetamok; and her maternal grandparents: Petawanakot and Niigaanetamok. Alice will be reuniting with her sisters and brothers: Theresa, Victor, Clifford, James, Baby, Liza, Joyce, Edith, Edwind, Nancy, Baby Boy and Baby Girl; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, whom were close to her heart.
She will be lovingly missed by her one and only son: Rick Petawanikweb. Although disconnected for years by the impacts of Residential School and the 60s Scoop, she always loved her son and thought about him often. She was grateful they reconnected and restored their bond. Also remembering her gentle soul are her cherished grandchildren: Dana, Katanya, Misty and Rikki “Frog”; as well as her pride and joy, her great-grandchildren: Darius and Dakiyah. She had numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends all across Turtle Island; all who will treasure her memory.
Alice was born in Kenora, ON. She grew up on the land and water with her family around Treaty #3 – Lake of the Woods, with Obashkaandagaang being her home fire. She was a Residential School Survivor and maintained her first language, Anishinaabemowin; as well as her Anishinaabe culture and traditions.
When she was a young adult, she relocated to Southern Ontario, where she met the love of her life, Fred Rowland. In her early years of work, she was a cook at a daycare center in Toronto. She later went on to work at a resort in Parry Sound, among other jobs throughout her lifetime. Fred and Alice retired in Parry Sound at their cottage, where they spent many years together.
Alice was an avid gardener and hunter. She loved fishing, blueberry picking and being outdoors. She loved planting her flower gardens, which were so beautiful outside their cottage. Alice loved animals, especially her cats she had throughout her life.
She created many bonds of friendship in Parry Sound, including at the Friendship Centre and surrounding First Nations, where they embraced her gifts and her teachings. We would like to thank all her friends and the organizations who hosted her as an Elder to speak at their events or activities. She was so humbled to speak her language for her people and to ask for good blessings for everyone. This is who she was— she was outspoken, kind, loving, friendly, caring, brave and strong. The family would also like to thank the residents and staff of Wiigwas Elder & Senior Care, for taking care of Alice in her final years.
A traditional wake will begin on Tuesday, January 23, 2024 at 11:00am at the Washagamis Bay Community Hall, for our beautiful Alice. We will continue in the Community Hall, where we’ll gather to send our beloved Alice on her journey to the Spirit World on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at 10:00am, with Elder Tommy Councillor officiating. Traditional burial to follow at Washagamis Bay Cemetery with her loved ones.
In Alice’s memory and in lieu of flowers, please donate to a local cat/animal shelter. Miigwech.
Gizhaawenimin, Saasegaashiik. Baamaa’miinaawaa giga’waabamin.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be made at www.brownfuneralhomekenora.com for the Rowland family.