March 8, 1981-July 15, 2026
We are heartbroken to share the unexpected passing of Stacey Rae, aged 45, a cherished member of North Caribou Lake First Nation. She passed away 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 person whose kindness and humor made a difference to many around her. She had an amazing gift for making people laugh and feel at ease wherever she went.
Stacey was strong, athletic, hardworking, and outgoing. She tackled life with determination and always put in significant effort to reach her goals, even when faced with difficulties. Just a month ago on June 12, 2026, she graduated with her bachelor’s degree in social work, showcasing her commitment and resilience. She will be remembered as a strong-willed mother who dedicated herself to her family as well as being a loving daughter, sister, partner, auntie, and loyal friend who spread joy to all.
Stacey is survived by her loving family who will forever hold her memory dear in North Caribou Lake and Deer Lake along with numerous relatives and friends from Poplar Hill and other communities. Her mother Sharon (Louie) and father Leo (Nora M.) reside in Deer Lake, Ontario. Additionally, she leaves behind daughters Alisha Kakekayash-Rae and Larissa Beardy-Rae (Curtis), grandsons Javier and Matty, along with her common-law partner Darryl Waswa.
She was predeceased by her beloved daughter Anisabeth Kaiya Waswa-Rae-whose loss she felt deeply-as well as her infant son Leroy Beardy. Stacey also held a special bond with her nephew Baby Kaden Quequish whom she affectionately called “her baby.” Moreover, she often spoke about her late cousin Candace Beardy.
Surviving are her sister Audrey Quequish along with nephew Koda; younger sister Brianna Jeremiah; brother Nathaniel Quequish along with his sons Brysen, Braedon, Dimitri, Emerson, and Kaius. Stacey also leaves behind many siblings from her father’s side of the family plus childhood friends David Winter and Joy Quequish along with the late Janice Quequish. Her loving aunties Maggie, Angela, Norah Joan Jackieand Joyce will miss her dearly alongside caring uncles Gary and James Quequish plus countless extended family members and friends whose lives were touched by Stacey’s spirit of kindness.
Stacey’s spirit will live on in the hearts of everyone who knew her well. She’ll be missed tremendously but fondly remembered.
A Wake Service is scheduled for Tuesday July 21st from 3:00 until 5:00 pm at the WESTFORT CHAPEL located at 420 West Gore Street at James led by Bishop Morris Fiddler.
The following day after the Wake Service on Thursday July 23rd at11:00 am she’ll be transported back home to North Caribou Lake First Nation for Funeral Services held at Weagamow Evangelical Fellowship Church led by Emcee Gilbert Quequish alongside Pastor Gary Quequish delivering the sermon. Following this service she’ll be laid to rest in Weagamow Lake Community Cemetery where Dwayne Roth alongside Gary Kakekayash lead the committal while Knowledge Keeper Joan Cachagee performs The Travelling Song.
Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay. com
