Booshoo/waachi’ye, Ode’imin ikwe nindisinikaath — Hello, I am called Strawberry Woman.
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our loving daughter, sister, granddaughter, and niece, Miss Nevaeh Thea Angelise Johnup, age 15 years, peacefully with family by her side at London Children’s Hospital on Thursday, June 26, 2025.

Nevaeh was born on May 14, 2010, and raised in Thunder Bay. She had Spastic Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, yet she lived joyfully as a beautiful, social butterfly. She attended Westgate CVI where she excelled and made many friends. A traditional and fancy shawl dancer, dedicated All-Abilities cheerleader, and pageant girl, Nevaeh was proudly serving as a Miss All-Canadian Pageant Spokesmodel for 2025. She received the Grade 8 Graduation Cultural Award and was a member of the Ambassador Team 2024.

Nevaeh attended community events, youth programs, and Powwows with her mom, family, and support team. Her smile was contagious, and her presence was always warmly welcomed by everyone she met. Her light and love will be forever missed, and her memory treasured.

Nevaeh will be deeply missed by her mother Colleen Johnup (Sean Stevens), siblings Aliya Johnup-Kamenawatamin and Aidan Johnup-Roach, grandparents Roderick Johnup (Judy) and Caroline Derouin, uncle Rayton Johnup (Illa), and cousins Raya and Sadie Beaver.

She also leaves behind her extended family including great-aunts Edith Baas (Dan) and Rhoda Miller, great-uncles Nathan Johnup, Lawrence Johnup, Paul Johnup (Evelyn), Frank Johnup (Lucy), and Allen Derouin, and family across North Caribou Lake First Nation, Sioux Lookout, Hudson, and Dryden.

Nevaeh was predeceased by her great-grandparents Annie Copenace (née Pemmican) and Alexander Derouin, grandparents Abel Johnup (Martha) and David Wilkes, great-uncles Raymond Copenace, Floyd Derouin, Leonard Derouin, and Joseph Derouin, great-aunts Georgette Murray and Cecile Haney, godfather Jarett Kenequanash, uncle Jerry Johnup, and other extended family members.

Funeral Services will be held in Thunder Bay on Thursday, July 3, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 Gore Street West. Interment to follow in Riverside Cemetery. A Traditional Indigenous Ceremony and Feast in Nevaeh’s honour will follow the committal service.

To plant a memorial tree in memory of Miss Nevaeh, please visit our Tree Store.

Memories and notes of condolence may be shared at Everest of Thunder Bay.