March 8, 1966 – May 25, 2026
Kanina Clara Wapenisk nee Sturgeon was born March 8, 1966 in Sioux Lookout, Ontario. She was raised in the community of Kingfisher Lake First Nation. Kanina was born with some health challenges that she had to face from an early age. Her mother helped prepare her siblings for what she might face in her future. She had a strong group of friends who were very supportive of her during her school years. They helped her and stood up for her when she experienced bullying by the other students.
Kanina married Josie Wapenisk in 1993. She became a mother to Karen in 1996 and Philip in 1998. Being a mother was the highlight of Kanina’s life. She loved to be involved in events with her children and provide them with positive memories. She was always happy to see her children being happy. Every year she went out Trick Or Treating with her children and she always had a bag for herself too!! Even when her daughter was an adult they still went out together!! She was always happy and enjoying her life to the fullest!
After her husband passed away in 2019 she began a relationship with Allie Sakakeep. They enjoyed each other’s company for the past years until her sudden illness. Allie stayed home to watch her house and her cat ‘Pizza.’
Kanina took her last breath at 6:15 EST on Monday, May 25, 2026 at the Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre. At her bedside were her beloved children, her friend and her brother Myles and sister Mary; who had been by her side during her entire stay in the hospital. She had said she was waiting for Philip to come and then she was going to go. She passed 45 minutes after he arrived at her hospital room.
Kanina ‘Clara’ Wapenisk is survived by her children Karen and Philip, friend Allie Sakakeep, brothers Myles (Martha) Sturgeon, Daniel (Sarahann) Sturgeon, Samuel (Greta) Sturgeon, sisters Betty (Eno) McKay, Mary Kanakakeesic and many other family members.
She is Predeceased by husband Josie Wapenisk, Father Peter & Mother Ina Sturgeon, Zacheus & Sarahjane Sturgeon, Brother Josiah, Sister Ida Beardy, nephew Douglas Beardy, nephew Kyle Beardy, niece Cyanara Bighead and other family members
She was a beautiful soul who lit up the room when she came in. She will be missed by all those who have come to know her.
How Beautiful Heaven Must Be!!
A Wake Service for Clara will be held on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, officiated by Pastor Ivan Wapinesk.
Clara will then be transported home to North Caribou Lake First Nation. The Funeral Service will be held in the New Life Pentecostal Church on Saturday, May 30, 2026 at 11:00am, officiated by Pastor Colin Kanate. Burial will follow in the Weagamow Lake Community Cemetery. A Wake will be held on Friday evening in the Church.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
