Linda Lee Shabaiash

Linda Lee Shabaiash

Born: Wed., Dec. 6, 1944

Died: Wed., Apr. 8, 2015

Linda Lee Shabaiash "Bebiskaniiyaashkiikwe" (Flickering Light Flying through the Sky), 70, of Cloquet, MN, the eldest of 13 children, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on April 8th. Linda was born December 6, 1944 to Joseph and Delphine (Benjamin) Shabaiash at the Indian Hospital on Fond du Lac Reservation, where she was also an enrolled band member.

Linda loved and had an extremely strong bond with her family. She was always the one family called upon and was looked upon with utmost respect. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed visiting family and friends at her kitchen table. Linda was told by her grandparents to take care of Lee "Obizaan", which she did with much love and compassion and also raised her grandson Darren. She has dedicated many years of service as an employee of Black Bear Casino and also the Fond du Lac Ojibwe Schools. She also enjoyed sewing quilts, playing slots and bingo, watching the Waltons, sewing shows & the 700 Club. She also liked listening to powwow music and classic country music, especially Johnny Horton. Linda followed her Anishinaabe culture and was Head Ogichidaakwe and sat on one of the ceremonial drums in Aazhoomog since 1975. She was also First Degree Mide'

She is preceded in death by her partner of 39 years Dave White Sr., her parents Delphine and Joseph Shabaiash Sr., brothers; David, Dennis and Lloyd Shabaiash, sons; Dave Jr., Terry, Gordy and Marshall White, daughters; Linda White and Sandra Beaulieu, grandson Zac Rock and great grandson Deland Hawk.

Linda is survived by her children: Karen, Deb (Dan), Harold, Jr (Beth), Doreen (Kevin), Darwin, Darla (Charles), Doug and Darrell (Missy), her siblings; Joseph Jr., Daniel (Pam), Rodney, Les, Lois, Rose (Neil) Gopher, Roy, Ruth (Bill) Spears, Donald, Delbert (Billie Jo) and Vincent Merrill Sr. (Mary Sue), her first husband of 14 years and the father of her children Harold Diver, Sr., grandchildren; Anthony, Sherelle, Brandyce, Melynie, Loveena, Joseph, Jorden, Dereck, Chalsea, Danelle, Thomas, Codey, Ashley LaRae, Ashley Marie, Kristina, Cheyenne, Nicholas, Baby Charles, Darren, Annika, Shawn, Talon, Bill Jr., Frances, Linda, Maggie, Linda, Holly, Tommy, Jayson, Jaylynn, Kayla, Josh, LeAnne and Alyssa, 34 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.

A wake for Linda will begin at 7:00 p.m., Saturday, April 11th and continue until her traditional Midewin funeral all being held at the Fond Du Lac Head Start Gym in Cloquet. Obizaan (Lee) and Ombishkebines (Chato) will officiate. Pallbearers for Linda will be Leroy Shabaiash, Dereck Diver, Andy Marshall, Derek DeLille, Nick Ammesmaki and Keith Diver, Sr. Her honorary pallbearers are Codey Diver, Jeremy Spears, Mike Hirsch, Richard Diver, Keith Diver, Jr., Pete Brisbois and Kelly Diver. Interment will be in the St. Joseph and Mary Cemetery at Sawyer following her Sunday funeral.

Linda's care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker. Online condolences made left for the family at http://www.northernpeace.com