Gwendolyn Mae (Donnell) Lawrence

Gwendolyn Mae (Donnell) Lawrence, “Miskogiizhoogkwe” which means “Red Sky Woman” age 64, of the Turtle Clan and Red Lake, Minnesota began her journey to the spirit world on Sunday, May 27, 2018 from her home.  Gwen was born on November 7, 1953 in Red Lake, MN to Sophie (Roy) and Frank Donnell, Sr.

Gwen was devoted to her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She had a great sense of humor and loved to laugh and tease. Gwen enjoyed going to the casino, visiting with her friends and loved playing her board games.

She graduated from culinary school after receiving her GED.  During her employment, Gwen’s talent in the kitchen was given to the Red Lake Head Start Program, the Red Lake School District, the Thief River and Red Lake Casinos.  Unfortunately, she was forced to retired early due to issues with her health.  Gwen will be deeply missed by her family and friends.

Gwen is welcomed to the spirit world by her parents; Sophie and Frank Donnell, Sr., son; Brian Lawrence, infant grandson; Misko Miigizi Lawrence, sisters; Elaine, Lorraine, Theo and Carol, brothers; William, Gordon and David, best friend; Angela Brown, father of her children; Gary Lawrence and her significant other; Bernard Whitefeather.

Those left behind to cherish her memory are her sons; Jason (Tana) Lawrence, Sr. of Winnebago, NE, Garrick Lawrence, Sr. and Michael Johnson both of Bemidji, daughter; Paula (Floyd) Lawrence of Bemidji, brothers; Frank Jr. and Lloyd Donnell, grandchildren; Tamera, Samantha, Michaela, Michael, Terrence, Terrell, Tyler, Matthew, Jason Jr., Shelly, Tristan, Summer, Early, Guiliana, Whitney, Garrick Jr., Elijah and Braiden, six great granddaughters, six great grandsons, numerous nieces, nephews other family members and many friends.

A wake for Gwen will begin at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 30th and continue until her 1:00 p.m. funeral service on Friday, June 1st all being held at the Red Lake Community Center in Red Lake, MN.  Father Jerry Rogers will officiate.  Helping to lay Gwen to rest are Terrence Whitefeather, Terrell Whitefeather, Garrick Lawrence, Jr., Tristan Lawrence, Matthew Lawrence and Jason Lawrence, Jr.  Alternate pallbearers will be Michael Johnson and Michael Whitefeather, Jr.  Her honorary pallbearers are Michelle Strong, Leslie Lussier, Sherilyn Spears, Marlene Spears, Judy Brummond, Sharon Stately, Valencia Smith and Gloria Smith.  Interment will be in the St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery at Red Lake, MN after her Friday services.

Gwendolyn’s care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker.  Online condolences for the family may be left at www.northernpeace.com

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