Anita Gail Pitchenese “Bout” “Memengweshiik”
In lovely memory of a life that will never be forgotten with deep sorrow and heavy hearts. We sadly share the sudden passing of Anita Pitchenese our mother, sister, auntie, and friend. With deep sorrow and heavy hearts for all.
Anita’s journey in life was a busy one, she was the education counsellor for Wabigoon Lake Ojibway Nation for 26 years. Throughout her time, she was a pillar for education, constantly advocating for the youth, or as she would call them “Her Kids”. Anita consistently worked above and beyond her job duties, whatever it meant to help them achieve their academic ambitions. This was her passion. Anita’s cell phone was always on, to be at her kid’s beck and call. No matter the situation, all while acting as an enthusiastic student counsellor. Honourable mention to all the staff at DHS and Waabshki Penasi School past and present especially “G” Jamie Gigolyk, her mentor.
Anita loved Graduation Day, and she was so proud the day she graduated from Colleges and the day Monty graduated from high school. Anita was so proud of any of “Her Kids” graduated by decorating by themes. Anita was one of the most active volunteers in her community. From being the first team to successfully take training as first response in the community. A job at which she served admirably for 25 years. Anita was also one to help at the WLON annual pow wow, a duty she pridefully held for 39 years. From give away shopping, to running around endless errands. Anita committed unfathomable hours in preparation for the cultural weekend. Anita also acted as a supervisor for the many youths that volunteered at the Powwow. It is their help that acts as the backbone of the whole show. She was so proud of the youth, and the love was mutual. Anita was also a big supporter in community events. From workshops to information sessions, to band meetings, she would never miss an event. Anita was also one to host fundraisers for anyone who’d fallen on hard times, a testament to the size of her heart and empathy. Anita would charmingly hustle everything from 50/50’s to find the joker boards. Anita fundraised for a trip to Toronto, and with help from the band they were able to send the kids from Waabshki Penasi school.
Anita was strong in making sure wake services were smooth sailing, she would organize group chats or text messages and call up all the helping hands , and the morning of the wake day, she would say ‘I’m here” and guide people on what tasks needed to be done, prep work, and then sit and play cribbage games till drumming started, after drumming ended, a group text would go out “Poker” and she would hold the table, gathering the donations, and if family members were to tired to stay, she would stay behind till the early mornings, usually with Ramona and Pauline by her side.
She enjoyed berry picking, fishing, and most of all her Gambling, from bingos, to slots, three card poker, and the good ol’ poker game on the Rez, Texas Holdem, her famous lines were “Got Any Money” and “What you cookin’?” Or her hands gesture rubbing her fingers together meaning “give me money.”.
Anitas favourite sports was the Winter Olympics who she often spent watching them with Esther, Joquay and Benji, often yelling in unison “FALL!” As Team Canada was in contention to win the gold, she was a true “Survivor” fan, her favourites were Richard Hatch and Boston Rob, she would host a survivor food party and bring all goods needed to party. Anita loved a good food party, it didn’t matter, she would text “lets eat!” bring food, and next thing you know its a party of 30, and then often she was hurrying to either get to bingo or poker, leaving the cleaning to everyone else (smart move).
Anita loved to travel, and she would “get up and go” at moments notice and she would ask her friends to pack a bag and extra underwear and let’s go. Anita’s rendezvous would ultimately involve a shiny place somewhere. Sometimes the impromptu trips took whoever, she involved out of the country. You never knew where you would end up. Just hoped that you came back richer.
In Anitas early teen years, she spent time in Minneapolis, Minnesota with Ellie Favell and her girls, and then later with Mike and Janette. When Anita returned home, she brought two things with her, Dr. Pepper and Tacos shell kits, along with her stories of living life with her special families and teachings she received over there. She continued to hold their kindness and teachings throughout her lifetime.
Anita is survived by her daughter, Montana May Rose Von Pitchenese and Sir Winston. One of Anita’s most memorable days was the moment Montana was born. Siblings, Joe Pitchenese (Pat), Jim Brown, Esther Pitchenese, Yvonne Pitchenese, Louie Pitchenese (Stephanie) adopted siblings, Barb, Sophie, Elizabeth, Dorothy Keeash, and Ron Frenette. Nieces and Nephews, Shayne Pitchenese (Lana) Tyson Gardner, Frankie “Otis” Pitchenese, Candace Esquega (Daniel), Jackie Pitchenese (Todd), Conan Pitchenese, Deborah McLeod, Jessica Shabaquay, Nicholas Pitchenese, Donovan Pitchenese, Joshua Pitchenese. Her great nieces and nephews, Jordan Pitchenese, Cody Pitchenese, Riley Currier, Shantelle Pitchenese, Tanisha Currier, Carli Pitchenese, Justice Bruyere, Shannon Gardner, Jasmine Doudiet, Caleb Esquega, Jamison Esquega, Jerome Norris, Morales Pitchenese, Nizhoni Pitchenese, Cameron Norris, Brody Pitchenese, Lenah Pitchenese, Danica Esquega, Liam Pitchenese, Ember Pitchenese, Lexi Pitchenese, and Kaliyah Gardner. Cousins, Tom Favell (Leonas), Kathy McIvor (Brian) Martha Howatt, Sarah MacArthur, Linda, Maryanne Chow, Donna Coneybear, Debbie Broeck, Lana Kooshet, Lisa Kooshet, Eddie Esquega, Bobby Necan, Nita Bronkski, Don McLeod, Jeff Watts, Georgina McLeod, Leslie Watts, Francis Watts, Mary Anne Watts, Christopher(Shabaquay), Vernon Skead, Mingo Skead, Freda Brown, Ruby Eisen, Dorothy Eisen , Bella Zoba Skead, Chris Skead, Shirley Brown, and Laura Gaus. Her special best friends, Lana Kooshet, Teresa Lacroix, Ramona Esquega, Sharlene Shabaquay, Shirley Brown, Jacqui Derosier, Clayton Chisel, Pauline Brown, Ricky Meawasige, and Destin Parenteau. A heartfelt mention to Dino Williams aka “Dino-son” she often said, “the son she never had!”
Anita is predeceased by her parents Paul Pitchenese and May Pitchenese. Her brothers, Paul Watts, Albert Pitchenese, William Pitchenese, and sister Mary Rose Pitchenese.
The Lords Prayer Our Father who art in Heaven hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our daily bread and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Lead us not into temptation.
but deliver us from evil.
For thine is the kingdom, the power.
and the glory, for ever and ever.
Amen
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