Lummi Nation elder Frances Gladys (Lane) James, Che top ie, passed away April 28 in Bellingham.
Fran James was born May 20, 1924 on Portage Island. She is survived by her son, Lummi Nation Hereditary Chief Bill James, Tsi li xw; sisters Ernestine Gensaw, Rena Ballew and Beverly (Jack) Cagey; brother Glen Lane, and numerous nieces and nephews.
She is culturally survived by many sons, daughters, nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
James shared her life and knowledge with everyone, and taught all that wanted to learn. A few of her favorite sayings were “Weaving together the fabric of our lives,” and “Just make it.”
The community is gathering each evening at the the Wexliem Community Building. Open casket visitation will be Wednesday, May 1, 3-6 p.m. at Moles Farewell Tributes Ferndale Event Center with a prayer service following. A funeral mass will be Thursday, May 2 at 10 a.m. at St. Joachim Catholic Church at Lummi Nation with burial to follow in Lummi Nation Cemetery.
More information about the service is on the Moles website, where tributes also may be left.
