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Jennifer Dawn Copenace
June 17, 1980-March 4, 2024
The most difficult news that our family ever received was the passing of our sister, daughter & young mother Jenny Copenace. It is heart-breaking that she was so young.
Jenny was born in Kenora to parents Donna Indian and Edward “Oskie” Copenace Jr. She has two older brothers Darren and Jeff. She grew up in Kenora, Ontario with many other sisters, brothers and cousins that were raised by Donna and Ed in their loving home in Kenora, including her sister Mallory Kelly. Jenny also leaves behind her beautiful, talented daughter Alaya Gracie Sinclair Copenace. Jenny also had a very close friendship + special relationship with Tommy Hunter that our family would like to acknowledge.
Jenny was a beautiful young woman. Jenny’s Anishinaabe traditional name was given to her by her grandmother Flossie Machig Copenace. Her name ‘Mish–kway–beek’ was given to her at a very young age at a ceremony along with her brothers and parents.
She is predeceased by her grandmother Flossie, her grandfather Edward Copenace Sr. & her grandfather Joe Indian. She is survived by her grandmother May Kavanaugh, her loving mother Donna Indian & and her partner Todd La Liberty, her father Edward Copenace Jr, her brothers Darren and Jeff, and her daughter Alaya.
Jenny was so funny. She was loyal, brave and courageous. Jenny was protective of her family and would stand up for you in any situation if you were her friend. She grew up on the Powwow trail along with her mother and brothers. Jenny was a talented fancy shawl and jingle dress dancer. At a very young age, she became the Ojibways of Onigaming Junior Princess.
Jenny was truly the life of the party and well-liked by everyone that really knew her. She loved watching movies, going shopping with her daughter, and enjoying conversations filled with laughter. Growing up, Jenny was an excellent athlete excelling at softball, ringette and hockey. She played ice hockey years before it was popular for most women in Canada to play hockey. She was a strong, physical presence on the ice and she loved her teammates. And Jenny also achieved a lot in her education, receiving multiple certificates, including from Seven Generations Institute and college.
Most importantly, Jenny successfully raised the most talented young Anishinaabe woman, her beautiful daughter Alaya. Alaya, 15 years old, has the most brilliant future ahead thanks to the dedication and love from her mother Jenny. Of course, Jenny will always be with her. Jenny taught Alaya laughter, dedication, loyalty, athleticism, humour + wit, the importance of protecting your loved ones, and how to take care of oneself. As Alaya continues to achieve in life, we have no doubt that her mother Jenny will continue to help guide her.
A traditional wake will start in Onigaming on Saturday at 3 p.m. at the Onigaming Community Hall. A traditional ceremony will be held at 7 p.m. on Saturday evening at the Onigaming Community Hall. A traditional funeral will follow in Onigaming on Sunday at 10 a.m. conducted by Elder Ron Indian Mandamin at the Onigaming Community Hall.
The pallbearers that have been invited include Todd La Liberty, Darryl Bob, Tommy Hunter, Teddy Copenace, Bob Copenace Jr., Kirk Copenace, Trevor Copenace, Clayton Kelly and Lil Joe Copenace.
The family would like to say Miigwech (thank you) to the Ojibways of Onigaming for all the support. The family would also like to say Miigwech (thank you) to all of the family & friends for their love, support & condolences.