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Sauble Beach, Wiarton

Helen Akiwenzie January 22, 2026

Date of Funeral

January 28, 2026

Helen Marie Akiwenzie – of Brampton, and formerly of Neyaashiinigmiing, peacefully at the Brampton Civic Hospital on Thursday January 22, 2026 at the age of 67 years. Devoted mother of Lyndon, and Leah, both of Brampton, and Danielle (Codi), of Owen Sound. Cherished grandmother of Jenelle, Lawson, and Beau. Dear sister of Jean, of Neyaashiinigmiing, and of Donna, and Rhonda, both of Toronto; and step-sister of Orland, of Toronto. Sadly missed by her aunt and uncle, Ernestine and Lenny Baldwin, of Barrie: and by her nieces and nephews, Michael, Tarah, Wilfred, Priscilla, Billie-Jo, Murrie-Jo, Murray Jr., and Mickey. Predeceased by her parents, Ernest and Donna Akiwenzie; spouse, Edward Kopec Jr.; brothers, Ralph, Carmen, and Murray; and uncle, Harold Lamorandiere. Family wish to thank Dr. Hayani and nurse Surinder from Brampton Civic Hospital for their wonderful care of Helen. Visitation will occur at the Cape Croker Community Centre, Neyaashiinigmiing on Tuesday January 27, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral Mass will be performed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Neyaashiinigmiing on Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock. Spring interment in Little Port Elgin Cemetery, Neyaashiinigmiing. Donations to the William Osler Health System, or the Brampton Civic Hospital would be appreciated. Arrangements entrusted to the Thomas C. Whitcroft Funeral Home & Chapel, Sauble Beach (519) 422-0041. Condolences may be expressed online at www.whitcroftfuneralhome.com

Visitation will occur at the Cape Croker Community Centre, Neyaashiinigmiing on Tuesday January 27, 2026 from 2-4 and 6-8 PM. A funeral Mass will be performed at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Neyaashiinigmiing on Wednesday morning at 11 o’clock. Spring interment in Little Port Elgin Cemetery, Neyaashiinigmiing.

Condolences(15)

  1. REPLY
    Christopher Austin says
    January 24, 2026 at 6:01 pm

    Helen was a rare kind of person, selfless and caring. She was a big part of my life, helping me when I had no one else to turn to. Always willing to listen, she had a lot of empathy and always offered sound advice. She was smart as a whip, with razor-sharp wit that she also passed down to her children. She also had a great sense of humour, always able to see the bright side of things.

    She was also great with animals, and I remember we shared a fondness for cats in particular. I don’t regret a single moment I spent in her company. Helen had a way of making you feel important, and always had time to listen to anything you had to say.

    I am very privileged to have been a part of her life. I want to offer my most sincere condolences to all of her family and friends. She touched the lives of so many people, and was a light in this world.

  2. REPLY
    Renee says
    January 24, 2026 at 8:06 pm

    I am quite sad to hear that Helen baa has started her journey with her ancestors. I knew Helen baa back in our teen years, a summer job in Toronto. I will always remember Helen baa full of laughter and kindness. We met again, 30 years later, when I moved to Owen Sound. Helen baa still had that soft smile but I could also see the fire within. Rest in peace and travel well old friend

  3. REPLY
    Vince Mattina says
    January 24, 2026 at 10:08 pm

    I’m so sad to hear the passing of Helen. She was such an amazing person to me. She was like another mom to me always accepted me & embraced me and welcomed me into her home I will miss her a lot!

  4. REPLY
    Patti says
    January 25, 2026 at 1:14 am

    My heartfelt condolences Lyndon on the passing of your mother.
    Wishing you peace, comfort, and courage in the days ahead. RIP

    Patti and Pino Mattina

  5. REPLY
    Bram Aaron says
    January 25, 2026 at 4:54 am

    Dear Lyndon and Leah,

    Sadly I never met your mother but I hear she was a lovely woman who was very supportive of both of you, and who cherished all her grandchildren. My sincerest condolences for your loss. May all your happy memories of her sustain you through these times of deepest anguish and grief.

    Sincerely,

    Bram

  6. REPLY
    R.K. Abram says
    January 25, 2026 at 8:39 am

    I am quite sad to hear that Helen baa has started her journey with her ancestors. I knew Helen baa back in our teen years, a summer job in Toronto. I will always remember Helen baa full of laughter and kindness. We met again, 30 years later, when I moved to Owen Sound. Helen baa still had that soft smile but I could also see the fire within. Rest in peace and travel well old friend
    R.K. Abram

  7. REPLY
    Neal Baldeo says
    January 25, 2026 at 9:10 am

    To all the family and friends of Helen Akiwenzie, I’m really sorry for your loss. I would like to offer my deepest condolences from me and all of us at TTC in particularly our LRT dept. Sending you all love from Toronto

  8. REPLY
    Eliza Knight says
    January 25, 2026 at 5:08 pm

    Sad to hear of Helen’s passing. My condolences to her family. Rest in peace Helen you’ll be missed.

  9. REPLY
    HECTOR LAVALLEY says
    January 25, 2026 at 8:58 pm

    Condolences to the Keeshig family for your loss

  10. REPLY
    christine mackenzie says
    January 25, 2026 at 9:26 pm

    Sorry for your loss

  11. REPLY
    Robin Hill says
    January 26, 2026 at 8:57 pm

    I’d like to express my deepest sorrow in the loss of a cherished sister and the loving mother, grandmother, and aunt I pray for courage and strength and healing for who knew and loved Helen she will always be in your heart and always with you now and forever

  12. REPLY
    Julie Damm says
    January 26, 2026 at 9:28 pm

    It was with deep sadness that I heard of the passing of Helen. Your mother has left many sweet memories. May you be comforted by them and find happiness in having had her for your mother. And may all the memories of days you spent together growing up in the community help you, her sisters, to smile at the time you shared as a family. In loving memory, Julie and family.

  13. REPLY
    Amrit says
    January 28, 2026 at 3:40 pm

    Wishing you strength and peace during this hard time

  14. REPLY
    Diane Owen says
    January 29, 2026 at 10:31 am

    Condolences to your family and friends dear woman.

  15. REPLY
    Steve dickinson says
    January 30, 2026 at 7:59 am

    Our deepest sympathies to Danielle and her family. Our thoughts are with you.

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