Rosalee Cayou James

Qws tan ya, Rosie Cayou James, joined her soul mate one week after his departure. Bill and Rosie shared a relationship that people long for. At his funeral she sat with grief and dismay but still greeted all of their people with a gentle hug and the beautiful twinkle in her eyes. Even with a weakening body, Rosie made sure she was there to walk these last steps on earth with her lifelong companion. Rosie was a pillar of strength, wisdom and love.

On November 11, 1951, Rosalee Cayou was born in Anacortes WA to Roger and Matilda Cayou. She was the eldest of four children. She was an enrolled member of the Samish Tribe but identified as Coast Salish; never claiming only one place. Her family always lived by the waters, they moved to where the fish, clams, berries and cedar could be harvested. The tides set their dinner tables. Rosie truly loved the lands; she taught the importance of taking care of our resources. Her teachings echoed our ancestors…we must respect and honor the earth, the people, the animals and the waters. We are only the caretakers of what we have, it's our job to protect its existence. Her happiest place was on Guemes Island, where her grandpa was born. She felt safe and that was a place of healing. Rosie was very proud of her connections to Orcas and Lopez Islands. Frequently visiting the Cayou Homestead. Over the years Rosie's contributions as a Cultural Knowledge Keeper was shared all across Washington, Oregon, California and British Columbia. Her gentle and calm nature attracted people who wanted to learn more about their heritage. Rosie and Bill were the most generous people and you were lucky if you got to spend time with them. Rosie was also a lady of determination; she always had a way to make ends meet. She and her children had their indigenous food truck business for over 30 years, her famous frybread was sought out at every event. In her younger years Rosie started a seafood business, helping her family make some money and providing product to local businesses. Rosie gave her time endlessly, in the early 1990's to help raise the funds needed to complete the Swinomish Longhouse. This past year Rosie was honored as "Woman of the Year" by the Women of Anacortes who exhibited local women of great accomplishments. She did not want everyone to make a fuss about this, as she never boasted about herself. Rosie was an angel amongst us. She helped to bring Tokitae home, coordinating the honoring ceremony and recognizing the life that had been taken from our homelands. These acts of love and greatness are only a smidge of the accomplishments and life commitments of our beloved Rosie Cayou James, she was the key to building bridges between communities and people through culture, tradition and our connections to spirit, life and fluidity. Keep our way of life moving forward.

Rosie is survived by her children April, Ginger, Lewis (Joanna) and their dad Earl James Sr., brothers Vince and Vernon Cayou, Aunt Bernadette Stone, grandchildren Sebastian Scarbrough, Theresa Jimmy, Norman Modest, Natasha, Kayla, Qelensen and Tiffany James, Clarissa (Brandon) Williams, Andre and Chelsea Tom, Isabelle James, Bonnie Rose Fornsby, Isiah, Jai-lee and Johanna James, Qelexan, Smayuqwa, Eleelia-Rose and Cis-Sealh James. Bonus children Jason Paul, Danny Cayou, Mario and Aurelio Cruz, Stephen Murphy, David Johnson, Triva Sampson, Sam Barr, Eric and Ronald Day. 15 great grandchildren, numerous other family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her mate Bill of 26 years, her parents Roger and Matt, Grandparents General and Sara Cayou, Gus and Aurelia Stone, sons Earl Jr. and Christopher James, sister Bonnie Cayou, granddaughter Whitney Scarbrough, grandsons Lewis "bro" James, Jusken James and Ray Fornsby Jr.

To share memories of Rosie, please sign her online guest register. Bookmark this link to check on updates: www.evanschapel.com/obituary/rosie-cayou-james