Joan Mary Dana (Tomah)

Indian Township – Joan Mary Tomah Dana, 83, passed away Tuesday, November 24, 2020. Joan was born at Peter Dana Point on February 25, 1937.

She was predeceased by her parents Ida Sockabasin Tomah & Fred Tomah, husband Sopiel J. Dana, daughter Ann Tomah Socobasin and son Louis D. Dana I and sister Hazel Perley.
She will be remembered and greatly missed by her children; Andrew Dana & wife Chayanne, Matthew Dana & wife Terri, Martin Dana & wife Marla, Nicholas Dana & wife Annette, Brenda Dana Lozada & husband Eddie, Regina Nicholas & husband Alex, Stacey Rae LaCoote & her husband Daniel, Dale Dana & wife Linda, Roger Socobasin & wife Lisa, Maddy Moore & son Sebastian, John Socobasin & Stephanie, Joseph Socobasin & wife Jennifer. Adopted son Jason Grundstrom-Whitney & wife Lisa, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, three sisters; Joyce Tomah, Beverly Jillson & Charlene Tyrell and two brothers; David Tomah & Frederick Tomah, numerous nieces and nephews, special friends; Alice Lola, Doris Chapman, Teresa Lola Downing, Kim Vose and Jo-Anne Cannell; special Godson, Paul Downing; special Godchildren; Paula Sisson, Annabelle Meader, Charles Polchies, Roger Paul, Tina Sabattus, Ralph Doten, Mary Jenkins and Keith Lola.

She loved to travel taking her to many places in the U.S. & throughout Canada for spiritual ceremonies & events.

This beautiful woman carried the deep wisdom of love within her being. She was one of the most gentle and loving souls. In her life she touched the hearts of thousands of people, even though she lived a simple and humble life. She had a special gift of turning hearts toward love. And every heart that she turned toward love in turn shared that love with others. Just being in her presence softened the hard places within you and when she hugged you it made your spirit sigh with relief. ~ Sherri Mitchell

Poem
For Joanna
She left on the wind last night. Did you hear her? The wind moaned and swept by with the terrible, beautiful weight of a soul going home, mourning the loss that overwhelms her people. She as the joyous reunion with ancestors who welcome her with open arms and heart beats of drums. Her joy now fulfilled. Thanks be to the Creator for the life, the love, the lessons...and yes for the loss. One so deeply grieved, with more heartbreak than one can bear, is one so dearly loved. Hers is a soul whose shadow remains to sustain with all that she has given – to go on living, to go on loving, to go on teaching the lessons. I can’t speak from the blood of her people, but I can speak from the love in my heart. A gift of incomprehensible measure. She left on the wind last night.

Visitation will be private, except for a public visitation 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, November 29, 2020 at her daughter’s home, 5 Birch Circle, Peter Dana Point. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 1 p.m. Monday, November 30, 2020 at Immaculate Conception R.C. Church, Calais Ave, in Calais. "Face coverings and social distancing will be practiced according to the CDC guidelines for public gatherings. The funeral will be also aired at 1:00pm LIVE-stream on Saint Kateri Tekakwitha Parish Facebook page.” Burial will follow at the Indian Township Tribal Cemetery, Peter Dana Point. Arrangements by Mays Funeral Home, Calais & Eastport. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.maysfuneralhome.com