It is with a heavy heart that we announce the sudden passing of one of our youth, Cynara Rayanne Deborah Bighead, on the morning of Monday, January 12, 2026, at Kingfisher Lake, ON. She was born at Sioux Lookout, ON, on December 16, 2013. Cynara was at the tender age of 12 years.
Cynara is survived by her parents Jarrett and Charlissa Angees and her siblings Daymon Suggashie (14), Jaycia (4) and Viera (9 months old). She also leaves behind her maternal grandparents Deborah (Derek) Bighead, paternal grandparent Jerry Angees (Stella A.) of Kasabonika and her great-grandparents on her mom’s side Sarah Ann Sturgeon (Daniel) and on her other paternal great-grandmother Emily Bighead of Kingfisher Lake. She also leaves her maternal aunts Marissa Bighead, maternal uncles Hosea, Dakota, Nehemiah Bighead of Kingfisher Lake and paternal aunt Ralein Fox (Micheal A.) of Kasabonika, her paternal uncles Terry Neshinapaise of Kasabonika and Clyde Cromarty of Wunnumin Lake. Miss Cynara had numerous great maternal aunts Brenda Mckay, Dorcas (Cornelius) Mamakwa, FN Councillor Delta (Joash) Beaver, Diane (Lorne) Bois of Kingfisher Lake. She also leaves behind her great-grandmothers’ brother our Deputy Chief Amos Mamakwa (Margaret). She also leaves behind her great uncle Bellamie (Theresa) Bighead of Wunnumin Lake, great aunt Laura Bighead (Jon) of Kingfisher Lake. Also her great- aunt Rita (Bob) Yellowhead, Mary Neshinapaise, Peggy Sofea (Douglas), and great-uncle Alec Neshinapaise all from Nibinamik and George Neshinapaise who is currently in Thunder Bay, ON.
She was predeceased by her paternal grandmother Rayanne (Jerry) Angees of Wunnumin Lake, great-great grandparents Donald and Julliet Mamakwa, great-great Abraham & Lucy Bighead of Kingfisher Lake and also her paternal great-grandfather Paul (Emily) Bighead of Kingfisher Lake, cousins Aiden, Even and unborn baby Winter of Kingfisher Lake, paternal uncle Albert Angees of Wunnumin Lake, maternal uncle late Bartholomew Bighead and late aunt late Sarah Bighead both from Kingfisher Lake.
Cynara had a big family tree from Kingfisher Lake and all surrounding communities, too many to name – but we are praying for everyone.
The parents of late Cynara would like to mention that it was her 4 year old sister, Jaycia, that found her. We are asking prayers for their daughter now and in the days to come.
Cynara was a quiet, yet very friendly girl to those who knew her. She was very helpful to her parents and siblings right into her untimely passing. Despite all the challenges she faced in her short life, she still found it in her heart to love & forgive others. May we reciprocate her love & forgiveness to others.
A Viewing Service for Cynara will be held in Thunder Bay on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 11:00am until 1:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, officiated by Mr. Randall Crowe.
Cynara will then be transported back home to Kingfisher Lake First Nation. The Funeral Service will be held on Friday, January 23, 2026 at 1:00pm, in St. Matthew’s Anglican Church, officiated by Bishop Lydia Mamakwa. Burial will follow in the Kingfisher Lake Community Cemetery. A Wake Service will be held in the Church on Thursday evening at 6:00pm.
We request your thoughts and prayers to the Angees/Bighead/Sturgeon families & the friends she left behind and also to everyone in Kingfisher Lake and elsewhere.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
