Ottawamiut lose an old friend to cancer

Ovilu Goo-Doyle: July 22, 1947 — May 23, 2016. (PHOTO COURTESY OF HEIDI LANGILLE)

HEIDI LANGILLE

After a brief battle with cancer, Ovilu Goo-Doyle passed away on May 23, 2016, peacefully surrounded by her children and loved ones.

She was born in Cape Dorset, Nunavut. In school, she learned to speak English and soon became fast friends with many people travelling through Cape Dorset and with the “non-locals,” people like her Grade 6 teacher, Orland Larson, and Mr. Wright, owner of the Snow Goose, for whom Ovilu translated when he traveled to buy art.

After becoming friends with James and Alma Houston, Ovilu provided care for their children, John and Sam. She remained close friends with these people, and many more, until the day she died.

Once Ovilu’s schooling was completed, she began her diverse career.

Some of her jobs entailed showcasing Inuit art in Europe, promoting Inuit culture at Expo ’67 and many conferences, translation work, advocating Inuit issues and catering fine Inuit foods.

Up until very recently, Ovilu was a regular elder for many Ottawa events, helping to teach everybody. Ovilu sat on the board of directors of the Inuit Non-Profit Housing Corp. for many years, always ensuring that Inuit would feel welcome in the city.

Ovilu was passionate about her children, family and friends. She loved people and was always there for those who needed her, even in her last days.

She will be missed greatly by many. Her children Kingwatsiak, Michael, Alexia (Jason), Jonathan (Ningiurapik) and Matthew (Mary-Ann); her 24 grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and her family and friends across the nation and the globe.

Ovilu was overwhelmed by the support she received in her final months. She was very thankful for all that everyone has done for her.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Ottawa Hospital (General and Civic), Ottawa Cancer Centre, Elisabeth Bruyère Hospital and the caring staff at Akausivik Inuit Health Team.

There was a funeral service held at St. Margaret’s Anglican Church, 206 Montreal Rd., Ottawa on Sat., June 4, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., with a reception afterwards in the church hall.

In lieu of flowers, people can make a donation to the Ottawa Inuit Children’s Centre or a charity of choice.

Heidi Langille
Ottawa

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