Mary Crossman (nee Ackewance)
With sadness we announce the quiet passing of Mary Magdelene Crossman on May 27, 2020 at her place of residence in Princess Court, Dryden, Ontario.
Mary will be forever remembered by her daughter, Cindy (Mike), grandson Tyson (Emily), great grandson Emerson as well as loyal friends and extended family.
Mary was predeceased by her loving husband, Floyd (2016), affectionately known in their courtship years as “Amdegoozshee” (crazy white man). Mary also suffered the tragic loss of three of her children; Treva Lee in Red Lake 1954, Clinton in Dryden 1973, and Sterling in Ear Falls 1995.
Mary was born August 30, 1933 to Albert Ackewance and Mary Jane Littledeer on their trapline at Cox Portage, Lac Seul, Ontario. When Mary was three years old her mother passed away. She was put in the care of her Dad’s sister, Lisa Norton and husband Charlie. Later Mary was placed in the residential school at Pelican Falls where she would run away from unjust and unloving care on two occasions. Later, looking for work in Sioux Lookout, Mary met Floyd who later in years had an affectionate nickname for her as well. She was his princess “Pocahontas”. They would move throughout Northwestern Ontario working and making friends, before settling in Dryden. Mary made some long-lasting friendships, including Bessie from Eagle River Reserve (met her in Kenora) and Freda from Thunder Bay (met her at Manitou Falls near Ear Falls).
Mary’s Dad was a fiddle player so it was no surprise that she taught herself to play the guitar. She enjoyed playing for Floyd and friends, in her early years with Floyd. She was also warmly remembered as “a good bingo companion”. Mary’s resilient spirit, firm opinions and quiet sense of humour will be missed by all who loved her.
A Graveside Service will be held at a later date.
If friends desire, donations may be made to Princess Court DECO through Stevens Funeral Homes, PO Box 412, Dryden, ON P8N 2Z1. Condolences may be posted at www.stevensfuneralhomes.ca
