Monica Pitchenese “Zhaawaninodinikwe”
June 6, 1997 – September 16, 2024
Monica Pitchenese, known for her kindness, caring, and infectious laughter, passed away suddenly on September 16, 2024, at the age of 27 in Ottawa, Ontario.
From an early age, Monica stood out, her creative mind and artistic soul making her a joy to be around. Though shy, she was genuine, and once you found common ground with her, she could talk your ear off, about music and life, movies and anime, adventures and everything in between. She loved music and would often volunteer her music on road trips. Part of her charm was her love for strange and unusual things. She had a loud, contagious laugh and a great sense of humour. She was a fierce big sister, protecting and loving her younger siblings with all her heart.
Monica was soft spoken, kind-hearted, a loyal friend who never gossiped, and could be counted on to keep a secret. If you were in her circle, you were some kind of cool.
She loved indie music and finding bands no one has heard of, commenting, “There is so much good music out there; people just don’t look hard enough.”
Her smile and contagious laughter will be missed at family gatherings. Her beautiful, creative mind will forever be remembered among those who knew her. Monica struggled with finding happiness in this world. Her life was interspersed with amazing moments and heartbreaking times such as when she lost her two best friends in 2016 and 2017. She is with them now, shuffling, skateboarding, talking music, sharing pictures they drew, as each was a fantastic artist. She lived life on her own terms. She enjoyed her time in Ottawa with so much to see and do and people to meet. She felt everyone was worthy of love and acceptance.
Monica is survived by her father, Roger, whom she loved dearly, her brothers Tad, Gage and Peter, her sisters Ashley, Tia, Jayd (Greyfox) and Kyra, and her second mom Kelly D, who loved her fiercely from the moment they met when Monica was 4 years old. She is also survived by many cousins and friends who will miss her creative spirit. We also recognize the many precious friendships which she often referred to like her family. She was predeceased by her mother Lavina Campbell, and her grandparents, Margaret Pitchenese, Annie Campbell and Glen Salmon, as well as many other family members and close friends with whom she is now reunited.
Monica’s family knows she has now found the peace she did not have in this life. She can travel wherever she wants now, and until they all meet again, they will miss her, love her and carry on as she would want them to.
Visitation is to begin on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 3 p.m. at the Eagle Lake Community Hall. A Traditional Service will take place on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at 11 a.m. with Elder Tom Favell officiating. Interment will follow in the Migisi Sahgaigan First Nation Cemetery.
Condolences may be posted to the www.dcfh.ca
Arrangements entrusted to the Dryden Community Funeral Home,
249 Grand Trunk Ave. Dryden, On P8N 2X3
