Great great grandmother Louisa Diamond was born in Rupert’s House on March 29, 1921, to Rosie Moar and adopted by Anderson Jolly. She was the eldest of nine children. She was raised on the land and schooled in Fort George where she learned to read and write Cree and English.
On June 29, 1939, she married George Diamond, son of Walter and Mary Diamond. Louisa and George went on to have 13 children, 49 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren and 4 great-greatgrandchildren. She shared her life with George for 67 years, and they celebrated their 65th anniversary with-a giant family gathering.
Louisa was a trapper and a hunter for many of her 86 years. She loved her life in the bush even though it was never easy. She would often tell of the times when her, George and the family would have to shoot dangerous rapids on the Nottaway River every spring on the way home to Waskaganish. Later in life, she was at her happiest at her camp in Nooskan, smoking fish and picking berries, which she would give away to family and friends. Louisa was also an expert seamstress and spent many hours sewing mittens and moccasins to give away as gifts. When she was still young and strong, the work on her mittens and moccasins started with the skinning, curing and tanning of many moose hides. Her spirit and love was sewn into every stitch.
She was also a master storyteller, a historian and an expert on the Cree language. Her knowledge of the Cree way of life was much sought after, even into her 80s. The day before she passed on, the school called to ask for her help on a Cree word.
She loved to socialize with her dear and lifelong friend Josephine. They would attend dances and other community events, many times late into the night.
She lived a simple life. Yet she made it rich with stories that entertained and taught many who met her. Friends and family loved hearing her tell of her and George’s first funny experiences on their hunting grounds and in the small towns in Southwestern Ontario.
Most of her long and fruitful life was spent with her family in the bush. She enjoyed sharing her home with her many grandchildren. Her home was usually full and noisy during holidays and special occasions. The grandchildren, her pride and joy, would fill her home with loud laughter. Only later in life would she complain about the noise they made.
Louisa was a believer for many years and attended church services late into her life, sharing her testimony with others. She loved to sing Cree and English hymns, accompanying herself on an accordion. She only stopped playing it when the keys gave out.
Louisa spent a few of her last days in a hospital where she was given a choice of recovering either there or at home; she chose home and used the time left receiving visitors, advising people and giving gifts away.
Louisa Diamond will be remembered for her wisdom, strength, generosity, respect, patience and undying love and kindness to all.
