Sunrise; April 2, 1955 - Sunset; January 16, 2025.
Reverend Lana Cecelia Grawbarger, on Thursday, January 16, 2025 in her 70th year. After a long and difficult illness, Lana passed peacefully with her loving family by her side.
Beloved daughter of the late George and Betty-Lou Grawbarger. Cherished sister of Trudy, Bill (Adyne), Loretta (late Marvin), late George (Faye), John (Jennifer), Betty-Anne (Vernon), Theodore (Carla), and late Kevin. The most loving, kind, and doting Auntie-Mama to all her kids (nieces and nephews) who all adored her: Bonnie, Stacey, Bill, Charlie, Lynne, Warren, Chris, Jed, Ben, David, Melissa, Jo-Ann, Zak, Lana, Boyd, Sandie, Kyle and Tedi-lynn, along with 42 great grandkids and 6 great-great grandkids. She will be greatly missed by her aunts, uncles, and cousins from both the Pine and Grawbarger families. A beloved life long friend to Patricia and Kerri.
Lana lived a life of dedication to her family, community, and church. Her beautiful spirit was like a ray of sunshine, her insightful and articulate nature brought comfort and hope to many who sought her counsel. She was a generous, loving and kind person whose genuineness made all who interacted with her feel special and understood. Lana was a proud member of Garden River First Nation and a fifth generation descendant of Cheif Shingwaukonce of the Ojibway Nation. Lana carried many stories and teachings passed down to her from her Grandfather Dan Pine Sr., aunties, uncles and her mother; and she was always willing to share these stories and knowledge. Lana had a passion to bring indigenous culture to childcare, she worked with many children and families throughout her career in Moose Factory, Batchewana First Nation and Garden River First Nation where she established the first Daycare Centre. Throughout her life Lana was a very active part of St. Johns Anglican Church in Garden River, she had strong faith that she shared through being a lay pastor, she was there for her community in births, celebrations, and in death giving solace to the bereaved. In January 2019, she made her life's calling official when she was ordained as an Anglican Deacon. Her work for the church spans decades involvement in the indigenous focused ministry. Lana was a very talented and naturally gifted singer, she became part of the Pine Family Singers along with her aunts and mother, and would travel near and far to sing Ojibway Hymns and other music that brought joy and comfort to many people. She was an amazing cook whose soup and bannock were highly prized by her family. Lana was one of a kind, a blessing, and will be deeply missed. Baamaapii.
Family, friends and community are welcome to Arthur Funeral Home - Barton & Kiteley Chapel (492 Wellington St. E., 705-759-2522) on Monday, January 20, 2025 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm for a time of visitation, followed by a funeral service at 1:15 pm, cremation to follow. A webcast of the service will be available and can be viewed up to 90 days, please use the link https://fweb.tv/168199 or go to www.funeraweb.tv and select Lana's name. Because of the many lives Lana touched there will be a Commemorative Service for the community, with interment of ashes in the Anglican Cemetery in Garden River, in the spring. Details of this memorial event will be forthcoming. In lieu of flowers a donation to St. John's Anglican Church (Garden River) or ARCH would be appreciated by the family. Online condolences, tributes and photos can be made and found at www.arthurfuneralhome.com.
"Just as I am, Thou wilt receive
Wilt welcome, pardon, cleanse, relieve
Because Thy promise I believe
Oh, Lamb of God, I come, I come."