Obituary of Belinda Dawn Eugene

A beloved daughter, granddaughter, niece, cousin and loyal friend.
Belinda Dawn Eugene left this world on July 15, 2020 at 6:55 am at
St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, British Columbia. She was 33 years old.

Belinda was born in Invermere, British Columbia, where she lived most of her life. After receiving her diploma from Dogwood in 2018, she attended Blanche McDonald School of Aesthetics, in order to expand her talent with makeup artistry.

Belinda took immense pride in her First Nation heritage. She loved the outdoors: hunting, fishing, camping, and hiking. Belinda’s biggest love was for her family and friends, as well as her “light skinned brother”, Brock. She enjoyed showing her love with food and was an amazing cook; she really could put her grandmother’s fried bread to the ultimate test!

Belinda loved makeup, fashion, the beach, travelling, was a true foodie, and loved to laugh. Quite appropriately, her Shuswap name was Cuscw’est. Her Grandmother describes this as mischievous; her Great Aunt Betty Arnouse described it as “The wild one”.

When you remember Belinda, be sure to celebrate the best times. Remember her big beautiful smile, and her hugs. Belinda was a fierce advocate for anyone that needed help; honour her memory by being that advocate.

Belinda is survived by her father Tim Eugene, and her furry brother Brock. grandparents Xavier and Marge Eugene, aunts Audrey Eugene, and Andrea Godlien uncles Ted and Wade Eugene (Tara), with several close cousins Nadine McSpadden (Merril), Pat Mcbryan, Angela (Mike), Brad (Alyssa), Sasha, Kayla (Lukus), Enola (Travis), Megan, Quinton, great uncle Tim (Bernice) Jensen, Brittany, Jewel, Timara, Junior, Tyler and Danica Jensen, Vinetta Billy, Shawn Billy, Lindsay Montour, and extended family Melva, Inez, Zachery, and Isaiah Yellowhorn, Jennifer and Jacob West, Maria Kruger sister, her grandmother Judy Anderson, aunts Marg, Kim, Em, Marg Anderson, uncles John Anderson, cousins Charles and Mike Anderson. Brian (Sue), and Evan (Meri) Payer, Mike (Venee) Gunn, Jarnel and Dakota Payer, (Uncles) Pete, Tony, Krebs. Aunt Ruth Krebs.

Belinda was predeceased by her grandmother Margaret William, her mother Donna William, aunt Amy Eugen, uncle Fred Eugene, and uncles Trapper, Trevor, and Junior Gaze. Her cousins Stephanie Eugene and Alex Eugene.

Belinda has shined on so many people that we really can’t keep track of all of the cousins, families, and our true great friends including spouses and children. In this short time, we may have missed all of friends and family, but we thank you all for your continuing support.

Thank you to Chief Barbara Cote and Councillor Mark Thomas, and all of the Shuswap Indian Band staff and families for helping our family through this very hard time in our lives. Thank you Lori Stolson for your continued support. We can’t thank the St. Paul’s Hospital staff enough for all of their hard work and commitment to try and save our beloved Belinda.

It is no secret that Belinda suffered from addiction. However, addiction is simply a mask for pain; Belinda was a very private person in many ways, and rarely spoke of the pain she felt. She preferred to put on a brave face, and experienced intense feelings of guilt in regard to her addiction. We must remember that addiction is a health issue, not a moral issue, and those suffering from pain masked by substance use need our love and compassion.

On May 28th, just three days after her birthday, Belinda had gone to the St. Paul’s hospital afraid for her health. She was diagnosed with an infection that had gone to her heart valve and began destroying it. She had also suffered from pneumonia and had a stroke as a result of the infection. Her body was too weakened to fight off all of the odds working against her. Belinda passed away peacefully after 6 weeks of the best medicine.

On November 11, 2019 Belinda posted:

“I need prayer, strength, wisdom, and guidance more than ever! It’s been no hidden secret and I’m the first to admit when I’ve done wrong! I’ve been battling a heroin addiction since 2011. I used to be ashamed of it all and the monster that I have created, but now I embrace it realized that it was the only way I knew how to cope with my past..."

Due to these uncertain times, we have opted to hold a private viewing. At a later date, we will hold a Celebration of Life for Belinda open to all of her friends and family. Please don’t be offended if we haven’t asked you to attend; we do not want to risk having a large gathering at this time.

In lieu of flowers, we request that a donation be made in Belinda’s name to The Downtown Eastside Women’s Centre which she had wanted for her past birthday as well.

Arrangements entrusted to McPherson Funeral Services.

Condolences for the family can be offered at:

www.mcphersonfh.com