Sheila Marie Cournoyer

SHEILA MARIE COURNOYER

“Makizin-waabigwan” (Ladyslipper)

Sheila Marie Cournoyer “Makizin-waabigwan” (Ladyslipper), age 50, of Red Lake, MN, began her spiritual journey on Thursday, October 22, 2020, at her home in Halstad, MN.  Sheila was born on August 25, 1970, in Red Lake, MN to the late Gene Barrett, Sr., and Grace (Wayne) Nass.  

Sheila married her husband Darrell Cournoyer. She lived in Red Lake until she moved to her mother’s place in Halstad, MN in October 2020. She has two daughters, Justine Barrett and Rhonda Barrett, and 15 grandchildren: Shyla Barrett, Waylon, Manny, Avery, Kyle Jr., Justin, Ky-lee, Justina, Kasey (Kingbird), Honey Malmo, Anthony Jr., Migizzi, Leila, Wabigon, and Christina. 

Sheila worked at Northern Lights Casino in Walker, MN, and for Seven Clans Casino in Thief River, MN. She enjoyed spending time with her daughters and grandchildren. She always loved being around her family and friends and enjoyed going for rides everywhere and going to casinos. She loved listening to all the music she downloaded to her cell phone. She was a very strong woman at heart and she loved everyone.

Family welcoming her to the spirit world are her father Gene Barrett Sr.; grandmother Gladys Norcross; brothers Delvis Benais, Sr. and Darren, Benais, Sr; niece Ashley Needham, and numerous aunties and uncles.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her mother Grace (Wayne) Nass of Halstad, MN; daughters Justine Barrett of Bemidji MN and Rhonda Barrett of Redby; her husband Darrell Cournoyer of Redby;  sister LeeAnn Sumner (Barrett) of Red Lake; brothers Virgil Benais and Gene Barrett Jr, both of Red Lake, and Frank Barrett Sr. of Halstad; half-sisters Mary Barrett and Arlene Barrett, both of Red Lake, and Kimberly Barrett of Fargo ND; half-brother Robert Holstein of Cass Lake, and numerous relatives and friends.

A traditional wake will begin Saturday, October 24, 2020, at 2:00pm at Red Lake Center and will continue to the service on Monday, October 26, at 10:00am. Alan Hardy will serve as Spiritual Leader. Pallbearers will be Rick Porter, Curtis LaRoque, Lowery Stillday Jr., Waylon Kingbird, Brandon Murray, and Ryan Barrett. Alternates will be Russell Porter and Troy Benais. Honorary Pallbearers will be all Sheila’s family and friends. She will be laid to rest in the St. Mary’s Cemetery, Red Lake, Minnesota.

Arrangements are being provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service, Walker, MN

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