It is with heavy hearts that we share the sudden passing of our Nikuwuss (mother), Nuhkmus (grandmother) and 'sistalomol (sister), Joan Kuzma Marrero of Gladwyn, NB from Bilijk First Nation which is situation within Wabanaki Wolastoqey Traditional Unceded Territory.
Our Nikuwuss passed unexpectedly on Thursday, November 16 2023. Joan was 64 years of age and was born in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Joan was raised by her parents, Corrine P Solomon (predeceased) and Rudy Nagy. Respectfully, our mother would have wanted us to include her birth father, Kenneth F Kuzma.
Joan was a Knowledge Carrier whose focus was to share Traditional Medicines with her family, community and Nation. Joans given spirit name was from her great grandfather, Pepe (David L Solomon) Possesom which means Evening Star. She also was called,"Keeper of the Sweet Medicine" as given by Sundance Sakom, William Nevin. Possesom (Joan)was a sacred pipe carrier, lodge keeper, and a dancer in the Elsipogtog Sundance.
Her relationship with the land she lived on was deeply rooted, as was her passion for Traditional Wolastoqey practices. This was seen in her work with how she helped others and recently for her connection with sustainable food practices. She encourages others to grow food and traditional medicines. She loved nature, specifically hummingbirds and she would really get a kick out of when they would buzz by her face. Everyone knew that her four legged friends Gat, Snowball and Wrinkles were also like her family so we wanted to include them with loving memories.
Possesom (Joan) loved a variety of music. Joan was the type to grab you and dance when one of her favorite songs was playing, (specifically Barry White, "The First My Last, My Everything". She will truly be our everything.
Possesom (Joan) will be deeply missed by her two daughters: Ankuwiposehehs - Stephanie Marrero-Thompson (Jeremy Carrier) and Nicole Montmarquette (Richard) and her grandchildren, Aiden, Ethan and Jaxon Thompson, Trenton and Ashton Carrier, River, Micah and Jonah Montmarquette. Her two brothers Nelson Nagy (Lisa), Eric Nagy (Jeannie), their children Ryan, Erika and Stephen Nagy, her sister, Lynda Nagy; and the father of her two girls, Victor Marrero. In addition, many cousins, extended family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, November 24 from 2-4 PM from Bishop’s Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held on Saturday November 25, from St. Ann's Kingsclear Catholic Church at 1 PM with Interment to follow in the adjoining cemetery.
The family would like to thank Bilijk Community for all the help, care and support shown to them during this difficult time.
Online Condolences and sharing of memories may be expressed through www.bishopsfuneralhome.co
"See ya on the other side Pepe"