Irene Madeline Bigeagle, 90, of Petoskey, passed away Wednesday, May 26, 2021.
She was born, the daughter of Geroge and Hattie (Mixcinni) Nanigaw, on September 29, 1930, in St. James Township, Charlevoix County, Michigan.
Irene was an amazing community member of St. Kateri Center in Chicago and was loved by so many. She was part of the group of Elders, who started Anawim/St. Kateri Center and dedicated several decades of her life to being a Leadership Circle Member. Her dedication, and love for St. Kateri was abundant, she attended several Tekakwitha Conferences and made the journey to Rome for the Canonization of Kateri becoming our first Indigenous American Saint.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Orlando; daughter, Barbara A. Peterson; siblings, Agnes (Bernard) Napont, Lena (Mose) Anthony, Henry Nanigaw, and Mary (John Sr.) Keshick.
Irene is survived by her son, George Santigo of Andover, Kansas; grandchildren, Casie Bunce, Mark Santigo, and Jennifer Santigo-Smith; niece, Pamela Cloud of Cheboygan, MI; several greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
A graveside memorial service will be held, Monday, June 28, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at Greenwood Cemetery in Petoskey, Michigan.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Kateri Center of Chicago, 3938 N. Leavitt St., Chicago, IL 60618 or through the Nelson Funeral Home.
Arrangements were entrusted to Nelson Funeral Home and Cremation Service, PO Box 1548, Gaylord, MI 49734.
1 comment on “Irene M. Bigeagle”
Susan Power and Stephanie Breaux will pray for Irene and her family. We remember her kindness and strong faith.