Services: Funeral services for Beatrice will be held at the Saginaw Chippewa Tribal Gym on Friday, September 17th at 2 p.m. with Rev. Charles Nahwegahbo and Rev. Joseph Gilbert officiating.
Visitation: The family will receive friends at Clark Family Funeral Chapel on Wednesday, September 15th from 7-9 p.m. and on Thursday, September 16th from 2-5 and 7-9 p.m.
Donations: Memorial contributions may be made to Community Cancer Services or the American Diabetes Association. Envelopes will be available at the funeral chapel and at the service at the gym.
Beatrice was born on June 27, 1932 in Isabella Township, MI the daughter of Abraham and Florence Beatrice (Pelcher) Kahgegab. She married Livingston Colwell on September 16, 1961, who preceded her in death. Beatrice worked as a cook in Merrill Hall at CMU for over 20 years, where she also served as Union Steward. Beatrice was also known as “Grandma Bea” for the Saginaw Chippewa Toddler Program, and worked as Supervisor of Food and Beverage for the Saginaw Chippewa Card Room.Â
Beatrice was a member of the Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe and served on the Tribal Council from 1993 to 1995. She was also on the Health Board, worked with the Johnson O'Malley Program, and served as a translator preserving the Ojibway language with the Ziibiwing Cultural Society. Beatrice loved spending time with her grandchildren, nieces, and nephews, as well as going to the Casino, and attending Camp Meetings, and was a fanatic fan of the Detroit Tigers. She liked listening to and was proud of great-nephew Jamie Johnson, who plays with the Grascals from Nashville, TN.
Beatrice is survived by her children, Lori (Emil) Nahdee of Mt. Pleasant and Jeff (Michelle) Colwell of Rosebush; grandchildren, Bre, Gage, and Abbie; 5 step-grandchildren; 6 step-great-grandchildren; “Special Mom,” Lavina Day of Walpole Island First Nation; brother, Ray (Frances) Fisher of Mt. Pleasant; sister, Florence “Bunky” (Mike) White of Clare; and many, many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Â
Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband, Livingston; 1 child by miscarriage; her parents; sister, Regina “Chi Chi” Sprague; and nephew, Philip Sprague.
You may view Beatrice's obituary online and send a private condolence to the family or sign the public guestbook at www.clarkfuneralchapel.com.