Josephine Margaret Benais

Josephine Margaret Benais, 82, of Red Lake, MN, passed away on Tuesday, September 6, 2011 at the Red Lake Hospital in Red Lake. She was born on April 1, 1929 in Belcourt, ND to Tom and Rose (Kakenowash) Akewanzie.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Albert Benais, Sr., daughter Mary, 3 grandchildren, brothers; Roger and Francis and one sister Stella.

Josephine enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, going for rides, and picking rocks along the shore. She liked the simple life.

Josephine is survived by her sons; Albert Benais, Jr. of Wilton, MN, Peter Benais of Red Lake and Bob Benais of Red Lake, daughters; Jean (James Parkhurst, Sr.) Benais of Red Lake, Karen (Al, Sr.) Lajeunesse, of Red Lake, Shirley Barrett of Redby and Cheryl Smith of Redby, MN. brother Marvin Akewanzie and sister Theresa Akewanzie both of Belcourt, ND. 34 grandchildren, 49 great grandchildren, other relatives and many friends.

A wake service for Josephine began on Wednesday, September 07, at the Little Rock Community Center at Red Lake and will continue until the 10:30 a.m. service held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Lake. Pallbearers will be Eli, Darcy, Randy and Terry Benais, Lee and Nathan Smith, Alan Lajeunesse, Jr. and Luke Lajeunesse. Interment will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Red Lake following the service at the church.

Arrangements entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be given at http://www.northernpeace.com