EFFIE ZOCCOLE

ELDER EFFIE ZOCCOLE, nee Indian of Eagle Lake First Nation
Migisi Sahgaigan within the Territory of Grand Council Treaty #3 July 14, 1950 to September 20, 2025
It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce that Mrs. Effie Zoccole began her journey to the Spirit World on September 20, 2025, surrounded by family and enduring love at Thunder Bay Regional Health Sciences Centre.

Effie was the cherished Mother to Terri-Lea Zoccole and Owen Zoccole. She is beloved Kokum to Micheal King Jr., Cody King, Christopher King (Terri-Lea Zoccole), Jaimee Zoccole and Aaryn Zoccole (Owen Zoccole). Chi-Kokum to Hazen King and Hailyn Vincent (Micheal King Jr.). Effie was mother-in-law to Fay Zoccole. Effie was a partner to Reggie Arbour for many years. Effie was a devoted auntie to many nephews and nieces across the Treaty #3 Territory. Effie was an honoured "auntie" to many. Effie was proud of her Anishinaabe Way of Life and was honoured as Elder and Knowledge Keeper.

Effie is predeceased by her husband, Micheal Zoccole, her parents, Peter Sr. and Mary Indian, her sisters, Elizabeth - Sheesheeb and Shiela, her brother, Peter Indian Jr. and her grandson, Matthew Zoccole.

Effie was instrumental in promoting culture and sharing her knowledge and wisdom with so many generations within her lifetime. Since her move to Thunder Bay in 1974, Effie and the countless families and friends of this era revived culture and brought awareness to the inherent awakening of spirit. As a mother, student, volunteer, Effie was forever representing the revitalization of her heritage. Effie brought her wealth of knowledge and compassion through healing, learning, listening, storytelling, making medicine, dancing, singing, and drumming. Effie compassionately served the surrounding communities of Robinson-Superior Anishinaabe Communities with Dilico Anishinabek Family Care dedicatedly for 27 years. Effie was employed in the finance department. Effie was a pioneer for cultural programming at Dilico and was an advocate of ensuring the Anishinaabek way of life was incorporated into everything. Effie touched the lives of so many in the Dilico community. Effie was the first recipient of the Cultural Award and subsequently named in her honour for bringing an understanding of culture into the work environment and was committed to helping colleagues bring cultural elements into the community and servicing clients.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Thunder Bay Regional Hospital, St. Joseph's Care Group, her homecare workers, many supportive visitors, her neighbours, and her tenants at her residence for lovingly assisting and caring for Effie these many years.

A sacred fire has been burning at her residence since her passing and the family is thankful for all of the firekeepers, singers, drummers, visitors, food providers for the support and encouragement in her spiritual journey.

A service will be held at the Everest Funeral Home WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street, Thunder Bay at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 with Ron Kanutski officiating. All are welcome. Effie will return home and a wake will be held at Lot 17 (Uncle Peter's house) in Migisi Sahgaigan. All are welcome. The final service will be held at the Migisi Sahgaigan Community Centre at 10:00 a.m. to be officiated by Tom Favell. The family would like to acknowledge the pallbearers, namely, Stan Alto, Richard Sky, Thomas Lebel, Michael King, Jr., Cody King, and Hazen King, for bringing her to rest. Effie will be laid to rest at Dryden Cemetery. Following the service, a feast will be held at Migisi Sahgaigan Community Centre. All are welcome to come, share stories, and help us send Effie on her journey.

Though her name may fade from the lips of time, the imprint Effie leaves upon the hearts of her loved ones and ones who have been inspired or touched remains eternally vivid a testament to the depth of her spirit and the richness of her legacy.

Please sign the online condolences at everestofthunderbay.com