Monica Sue "Wa Sa Na" Papakee, 55, of Tama, passed away on February 20, 2020 at the Iowa River Hospice Home in Marshalltown. Traditional Graveside Services will be held Saturday, February 22, 2020 at 2:00 PM at the McIntosh Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement with Larry Lasley Sr. as speaker. A Traditional Wake will be held Friday evening at the Eagle Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama.

Monica was born on June 23, 1964, in Marshalltown, Iowa, the daughter of Clyde and Geneva (Poweshiek) Papakee.

She attended Flandreau Indian School. Monica loved her home and being in it. She listened to R&B and loved dancing. Monica was a great pen pal to anyone in need. She liked cardinals, cooking and watching game shows. Her greatest joy was being with her family, especially her beloved grandkids.

Survivors include her children, LoriLynn Papakee and Elizabeth Garcia Papakee both of Tama, Esabelle Garcia of the Chicago area, and Nathaniel Seymour of Tama; her grandchildren Silas, Syrus, Tyrus and Ryan, and all the other grandchildren who called her KoKo Monica; her brothers, Clyde Papakee Jr. of Toledo, Brian Papakee and Lamont Papakee both of Tama; her sisters, Clydene (Adolph) Bear, Alicia (Odie Oldbear) Papakee and Kelly Sam all of Tama; nieces and nephews, Lucius and Travis Bear, James, Jewel, Serei and Levi Papakee, Kiedis Oldbear, Maria, Ernie Jr., Samantha, Ezra and Kyla Sam, Narissa and Natrisha Banks; and many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and other relatives.

Preceding her in death were her grandparents; parents; sisters, Tracey Papakee, Lori Lynne Papakee and Jonette Lincoln; and several aunts and uncles.