Ozawaa-bineshiikwe

"Yellow Bird Woman"

Bernice C. Begay, age 84 of LCO, died Thursday, September 20, 2018 at Hayward Health Services in Hayward. She was of the martin clan and 2nd degree Midewiwin.

Bernice Catherine Anderson was born January 3, 1934 in Hayward, the daughter of Fred and Viola (Thayer) Anderson. She was raised by her foster parents Billy and Nellie DeBrot in the village of New Post. Bernice attended school in Hayward, graduating in 1951. She had an unparalleled zest for life. Bernice was united in marriage to Eugene Begay on June 14, 1952 in Chicago, IL. She raised her eight children while Gene pursued his career, primarily in the Midwest and on the Eastern Coast. After her children were raised, she attended Mt. Scenario College, studying education. In 1987 she enrolled at Penn State University studying in Special Education. She retired from the Lac Courte Oreilles Ojibwe Schools where all of her students and colleagues thought very highly of her. Bernice was dedicated to her children and her students with passion. She dreamed of caring for homeless and troubled children as she herself was a foster child, raised with love by the DeBrots. Along with her husband, Eugene, she boarded many in need. Bernice loved playing Bingo, gambling, playing cribbage, traveling worldwide with her husband but most of all she loved spending time with her family. She will be remembered by her humor and undivided attention and love.

She is survived by her sons Eugene Begay Jr., John (Anita) Begay; daughters Catherine Begay, Lynn (Alexander "Sandy") Begay, Paula (Bob) Hague, Mary "Tish" (Jeff) Taylor and Josie Begay; 25 grandchildren; 24 great grandchildren, with every one of her off spring being her "favorite".

She was preceded in death by her parents; husband Eugene Begay Sr.; son Daniel Begay; brother John "Little Bird" Anderson; grandson Daniel Anderson.

Tribal Funeral Rites will be beginning with a feast at 10:00 a.m., Sunday, September 23, 2018 at Pineview Funeral Service in Hayward. Lee "Obizaan" Staples will officiate. Burial will be in Chief Lake Indian Burial Grounds in Chief Lake. Visitation will begin at 5:00 p.m., Saturday, September 22 ^nd at Pineview Funeral Service.

Honorary casket bearers will be Roger Baker, Eddie Benton-Benai Sr., Gary Quaderer Sr., Dr. Rick St. Germaine and Dr. Migizi Sullivan.

Casket bearers will be Louis Acosta, Gage Belille, Michael Davis, Bob Hague, Niiyaandiwed Haskins, Julian Martin, Jason Schlender and Jeff Taylor.