March 8, 1981-July 15, 2026
It is with deep sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Stacey Rae, age 45 years and a beloved member of North Caribou Lake First Nation, unexpectedly at home in Thunder Bay on Wednesday, July 15, 2026. Stacey was born on March 8, 1981 in Sioux Lookout, Ontario.
Stacey was a bright and caring woman whose kindness, warmth, and sense of humour touched the lives of many. She had a remarkable ability to make people laugh and feel welcome wherever she went.
Stacey was strong, athletic, hardworking, and outgoing. She approached life with determination and always worked significantly hard toward achieving her goals, even while facing life’s challenges. She recently graduated with her bachelors of social work a month ago on June 12, 2026 showing her commitment and resilience. She will always be remembered as a strong-willed devoted mother, loving daughter, cherished sister, partner, aunt, and loyal friend whose presence brought joy to everyone around her.
Stacey leaves behind her loving family, who will forever cherish her memory in North Caribou Lake and Deer Lake, as well as many relatives and friends in Poplar Hill and other communities. She is survived by her mother, Sharon (Louie), and her father, Leo (Nora M.) of Deer Lake, Ontario. She also leaves behind her daughters, Alisha Kakekayash-Rae and Larissa Beardy-Rae (Curtis), her grandsons Javier and Matty, and her common-law partner, Darryl Waswa.
Stacey was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Anisabeth Kaiya Waswa-Rae, whose passing she mourned deeply, as well as her infant son, Leroy Beardy. She also held a special place in her heart for her nephew, Baby Kaden Quequish, whom she lovingly called “her baby.” As well as her late cousin, Candace Beardy, who she talked about constantly.
She is survived by her sister, Audrey Quequish, and nephew Koda; her younger sister, Brianna Jeremiah; and her brother, Nathaniel Quequish, along with his sons, Brysen, Braedon, Dimitri, Emerson, and Kaius. Stacey also leaves behind numerous siblings from her father’s side of the family. And those whom she grew up with David Winter, Joy Quequish, and Late Janice Quequish. She will be dearly missed by her loving aunties-Maggie, Angela, Norah, Joan, Jackie, and Joyce, and as-well as her caring uncles Gary and James Quequish-as well as many extended family members and countless friends whose lives she touched. Her kindness, laughter, and loving spirit will never be forgotten.
Stacey’s memory will continue to live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed, forever remembered, and never forgotten.
A Wake Service will be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2026 from 3:00 until 5:00pm in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James, led by Bishop Morris Fiddler.
Stacey will then be transported back home to North Caribou Lake First Nation, where Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, July 23, 2026 at 11:00 am, in the Weagamow Evangelical Fellowship Church, led by Emcee Gilbert Quequish and Pastor Gary Quequish giving the sermon. She will be laid to rest in the Weagamow Lake Community Cemetery following the services, with the committal led by Dwayne Roth and Gary Kakekayash. The Travelling Song will be performed by Knowledge Keeper, Joan Cachagee.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com
