It is with sadness the family of Mīhkwasinīwiskwēw, Rema Lewis, announce her passing on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, in Thunderchild First Nation, Saskatchewan at the age of 72 years.

Rema was born and raised in Thunderchild First Nation. She was a devoted mother and grandmother, she was the silent matriarch of our family, embodying love, strength, and guidance in all that she did.

She was loving and caring, she filled our lives with joy and warmth. Her spontaneous spirit led to countless memorable adventures, often sprinkled with moments of humor, even when she didn’t intend to be funny. She had a unique ability to entertain us with her stories and anecdotes, bringing laughter into our home. She taught us the value of hard work through her own example. Whether it was juggling multiple jobs to provide for our family or helping our community, she approached every task with determination and a positive attitude.

She taught us the importance of always on time, preferably early; being prepared for everything and anything; and putting things back where we found it. She loved to work, she showed up with a strong work ethic in every job she had. Over the years she worked for her community at the Thunderchild band office and health centre as a janitorial custodian then she started her own taxi transportation business with her late ex-husband Paul Star.

She also worked as a home care aide when she went back to school where she received her certificate as home care aide when she went back to school where she received her certificate as a home care aide while working full time, an achievement that our family celebrated with great pride. She continued working as a home care aide at the health centre and the Turtleford hospital, where she eventually retired to enjoy travelling and spending time with her family.

A hardworking and honest woman, she balanced her roles with grace. She was strict but just, always setting clear boundaries while ensuring we felt supported and loved. Her nonchalant approach to challenges taught us resilience, and her well-organized nature kept our family grounded and thriving.

As a mother, she was the foundation of our family, our rock in difficult times, and a source of unwavering love and support. Her legacy will live on in our hearts and in the memories we cherish. We will miss her deeply but find comfort in knowing that she has left a lasting impact on each of our lives.

Rema was predeceased by her aunt Edith (1974) and family; grandparents Ernest (1978), Harriet (1991) Ochipwao, Frank Goodfellow, and “Chee-cha-weese”; her parents John (2011), and Elsie (2009) Lewis; aunt Julia Dillon (2013); uncles Stephen Ochipwao (2020) and Henry Ochipwao (2000); her sisters, Nora Lewis, and Freda Okanee; her brother Clifford Lewis (Chap); her sister-in-law, Mildred Mitsuing; her nephews, Howard Okanee Jr., Mark Okanee; and Carl Curtis Lewis: nieces Melissa Okanee and Leona Jimmy; her grandsons, Creedance Horse, Mitchell Lewis, Neal Okanee, Joel Nicotine and Tayden Nicotine; her granddaughters Gracie Lewis and Sherri Lewis.

Rema is survived by her daughters Genevieve Horse, Rosaleen (Merle) Morin, Leona (Blake) Star, and Charlene (Ted) Noon; her sons Maxwell Lewis, Ernie (Sandra) Jimmy and Lorne (April) Star; and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. She is also survived by her sisters Thelma, Brenda (Gordon); her brothers Larry (Bev) Lewis, Garry (Wog); as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Her Wake will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at the Chief James Okanee Memorial Centre, Thunderchild First Nation, Saskatchewan.

The Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at the Chief James Okanee Memorial Centre, Thunderchild First Nation, Saskatchewan.

• Date : 2026-04-15
• Location : Chief James Okanee Memorial Centre