December 16, 2013 – January 12, 2026
With deep sadness, we share the unexpected loss of our young one, Cynara Rayanne Deborah Bighead. She passed away on the morning of Monday, January 12, 2026, in Kingfisher Lake, ON. Cynara was born on December 16, 2013, in Sioux Lookout, ON. She was just 12 years old.
Cynara leaves behind her parents Jarrett and Charlissa Angees and her siblings Daymon Suggashie (14), Jaycia (4), and Viera (9 months). Her maternal grandparents are Deborah (Derek) Bighead and her paternal grandparent Jerry Angees (Stella A.) from Kasabonika. She also had great-grandparents on her mom’s side Sarah Ann Sturgeon (Daniel) and her other paternal great-grandmother Emily Bighead from Kingfisher Lake. Additionally, she is survived by numerous maternal aunts like Marissa Bighead; uncles Hosea, Dakota, Nehemiah Bighead from Kingfisher Lake; and paternal aunt Ralein Fox (Micheal A.) from Kasabonika. Her paternal uncles include Terry Neshinapaise from Kasabonika and Clyde Cromarty from Wunnumin Lake. Many great maternal aunts such as Brenda Mckay, Dorcas (Cornelius) Mamakwa, FN Councillor Delta (Joash) Beaver, Diane (Lorne) Bois of Kingfisher Lake also mourn her loss. Her family extends to great-grandmothers’ brother Deputy Chief Amos Mamakwa (Margaret), great-uncle Bellamie (Theresa) Bighead of Wunnumin Lake and great-aunt Laura Bighead (Jon) of Kingfisher Lake. She will also be missed by her great-aunt Rita (Bob) Yellowhead along with Mary Neshinapaise and Peggy Sofea (Douglas), plus great-uncle Alec Neshinapaise all from Nibinamik as well as George Neshinapaise currently in Thunder Bay.
Cynara was preceded in death by her paternal grandmother Rayanne (Jerry) Angees of Wunnumin Lake along with great-great grandparents Donald and Julliet Mamakwa and Abraham & Lucy Bighead of Kingfisher Lake. Also among those she left behind are 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 Sarah Bighead both from Kingfisher Lake.
Cynara had an extensive family network spanning Kingfisher Lake and nearby communities-too many to name-but we hold everyone in our thoughts.
The grieving parents want to share that it was Cynara’s four-year-old sister Jaycia who discovered her. They ask for prayers for their daughter now and during the difficult days ahead.
Cynara was a gentle soul who made friends easily among those who knew her. She always helped out around the house with her parents and siblings right until her untimely passing. Despite facing many challenges throughout her brief life, she found ways to love others deeply & forgive them as well. May we honor this love & forgiveness in our own lives.
A Viewing Service for Cynara will take place in Thunder Bay on Thursday, January 22, 2026 from 11:00am until 1:00pm at WESTFORT CHAPEL located at 420 West Gore Street at James officiated by Mr. Randall Crowe.
Afterward, Cynara will be brought back home to Kingfisher Lake First Nation where the Funeral Service is set for Friday, January 23 at 1:00pm in St. Matthew’s Anglican Church led by Bishop Lydia Mamakwa followed by burial at the Kingfisher Lake Community Cemetery. A Wake Service is scheduled for Thursday evening at the Church starting at 6:00pm.
Please keep the Angees/Bighead/Sturgeon families & friends close in your thoughts during this time as well as everyone connected to Cynara in Kingfisher Lake or beyond.
You can express your condolences online at everestofthunderbay. com
