Jeanne Cripps

Jeanne Cripps (née Parenteau)
Feb. 10, 1966 – Sept. 29, 2026

It is with deep sorrow and heartfelt love that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, daughter, mother, sister and aunt, Jeanne Cripps née Parenteau, 60, on Wednesday, September 29th, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Born February 10th, 1966 to Paul & Judy Parenteau. Jeanne will be reuniting with her father Paul Parenteau, her sons Patrick Paul and Richard Thomas, her foster daughter Sophia Fisher, her uncle Jack, cousins Willie, Conrad, Lana Murray and neice Allison Land.

Sadly she leaves to mourn her loving husband Kenneth Cripps, husband of 41 years, her mother Judy Parenteau, siblings Joyce (Vic), Perry, Joyce, Suzanne, Candace (Clayton), Andrea & Jackie (cousin, but more as sisters) Many nieces/nephews, daughters Cynthia Wawence and Trisha Bigblood.

Her in-laws Tom Pencoff(Linda) - Kenora, Lucille Michaud – Kenora, Eleanor Vachon – Red Lake, Victor Cripps – Hamilton, Laura Cripps (Robert Gardner Sr.) – Eagle River, Richard Cripps – Toronto, Carol & Clifford Kavanaugh – Eagle River, Hazel Cripps – Thunder Bay, Many nieces & nephews and deceased father & mother-in-law Dalton Cripps & Bessie Adams.

When Jeanne was young in Wabigoon Public School, she met her long life partner Ken Cripps. Jeanne and Ken then had a powerful friendship which then blossomed into a lifelong relationship spanning forty-five strong years. They started dating in high school and shortly after married on the 20th of July, 1985. Together Jeanne and Ken had two boys, Patrick Paul and Richard Thomas, who both passed away at a very young age. They would then go on to foster many children throughout their life.

Throughout Jeanne’s life she would go on to accomplish a great many things, which include: working at the Dryden Native Friendship Centre. She was Vice President Native Women’s group in Wabigoon, had gotten her office administration certificate, worked at Wabigoon Public School as an EA.

Jeanne has enjoyed many things, some things like working bingos, fishing and summer camping at blueberry camps with family and friends. Jeanne would spend her time playing darts and poker games. Jeanne always loved being around family and would gather around everyone frequently. In her leisure time Jeanne would scroll reels on her phone and play puzzle games and she’d always buy a scratcher when she could. She was known to always help out at a fundraiser with her family for a good cause. Jeanne had a big heart and loved children.

Kitchi Miigwetch to our cousins Andrea, Jackie and Chummers (We think of them as sisters) for their love, guidance & support with the trips to Thunder Bay for treatments, and all their time and help we needed to navigate through this difficult time. We love you more than words can say. Also our brother-in-law Clayton for being there when needed.

Cousins Donna Chief and Teressa Parenteau, Ron Williams and Laurie McIvor for the comfort food and visits. Ange and Sue for being there for support, other family members that came to visit her in the hospital, our Tiny Aunt Jay, also friends who stopped in to visit her. Those visits brought smiles to her face. Laura Cripps her sister-in-law,Bob Gardner Sr her brother-in-law, In-laws Carol & Clifford Kavanaugh for their love & support. And thanks to Eagle Lake Rez, Wabigoon Lake Rez, The pall bearers Ethan, River, Darren, Robbie, Tim & James (nephews),Ralph Johnson for officiating the services, fire keepers, John Harrison Sr., the nurses at Dryden hospital, especially Bev, she made Jeanne’s stay comfortable right up until the last day. Dr. Barrie and any other people we might have forgot to mention. We thank you all for everything through this difficult time.