One of Nattiq Frolics鈥� biggest supporters isn鈥檛 there to celebrate the spring carnival this week but she hasn鈥檛 been forgotten.
Lucy Ann Maniyogena died on April 14 after another incidence of cancer. She was a perennial fixture during the spring festivities and brought cheer to a variety of gatherings throughout the year.
鈥淪he always participated in any kind of community event. She鈥檚 part comedian, singer and dancer all put together in one,鈥� said Peter Taptuna, Maniyogena鈥檚 brother-in-law. 鈥淗er intentions all the time were to make people laugh, and she鈥檚 done that very well over the years.鈥�
As a homage to Maniyogena, the Hamlet of Kugluktuk鈥檚 float is dedicated to her, adorned with her name and many images of her in today鈥檚 parade. Close friend Millie Kuliktana conceived of the tribute during Maniyogena鈥檚 final days, said Nadene McMenemy, a Nattiq Frolics organizer.
Maniyogena gave the idea her blessing with tears in her eyes shortly before she died, McMenemy said.
鈥淟ucy was everything the Frolics is,鈥� she said. 鈥淪he was actually Mrs. Coppermine鈥� and her truck, she would put it in the Frolics parade and decorate it all up. Her truck was viewed by everyone.鈥�
Maniyogena, who spent almost 40 years working for the Kugluktuk Housing Association, was a 鈥渧ery liked and loved person in the community鈥� very well thought of,鈥� McMenemy added.
A moment of silence in Maniyogena鈥檚 memory was held during the Frolics鈥� opening ceremony on Monday.
鈥淪he鈥檚 good-hearted and good-natured and that鈥檚 what鈥檚 going to be missed about her,鈥� said Taptuna.
