Mona May

Mona M. May, Babaamaashi Migizi  “Soaring Eagle”,  Makwa Doodem “Bear Clan”, age 74, began her journey to the spirit world on Friday, April 10, 2026, in Red Lake, surrounded by her family.

Mona was born on August 10, 1951, in Red Lake, MN to Phillip and Margaret May. She made her home in Red Lake and worked at IHS in registration for many years. During her free time, she enjoyed going for walks with her sisters and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She loved sewing ribbon skirts and quilts with her friends Flora and Betsy.

On weekdays, she could be found catching up on her favorite soaps, Bold & The Beautiful and The Young & The Restless. She looked forward to attending drum ceremonies and trying her luck on the Keno machines at the casino. In her younger years, she loved heading out on a Friday night to support her nephews’ band play. She also enjoyed listening to Dwight Yoakam and Roy Orbison. Mona took pride in her appearance, making sure her nails and hair were always done before heading out the door. She loved her sweets and always made sure she had some at home and in her purse. She was known for her amazing wild rice and sweet tea which everyone loved. Above all, she took great pride in her family, she was a loving mother, grandmother and auntie. Mona had an active hand in raising generations of her family.

Those greeting her in the spirit world are her parents: Margaret “Blush” May and Phillip “Micke” May; siblings: Peter May, Clement May, Georgia Sayers, David "Ned" May.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children: Shawn May Sr, Frederick Alan (Paris) Desjarlait Jr, Renee May; granddaughters: LaShanna, Faleisha, Sierra, Ginewikwe, Tylicia, Anangoikwe, Gianna, Jacinda, Additional: Serenity, Daphne, Diamond, Madison; grandsons: Devin, Dominic, Terrell, Shawn Jr, Tre, Elias, Fred Ill, Arrow; great grandchildren: Hailey, Levi, Zayden, Amrya, Amelia, Arden, Alylah, Amaya; as well as numerous other family members and friends.

A traditional wake will begin at 6pm on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the New Red Lake Community Center in Red Lake and continue until the service at 10am on Monday, April 13, 2026, with Ty Stately and Giniwgiizhig as spiritual leaders. Active pallbearers will be: Clem May, Terrell Charnoski, Tre Beaulieu, Shawn May Jr, Dominic May, Devin May, Delbert Lasley Jr., Elias Jourdain. Honorary pallbearers will be: Flora Jones, Betsy May, Anita Kingbird, Sarina Lasley, Margaret May, Becky Jones. Burial will be at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Red Lake. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, serving Northern Minnesota.

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