A Manitoba chief says the woman who died after being attacked in her home was a retired educator.
Norway House Cree Nation Chief Ron Evans says Kathleen Leary spent years working for the band.
Evans says Leary was director of education for many years, then worked as director of health services.
He says she retired in February and lived with her family in Winnipeg, at the house where she was found Tuesday.
Police confirm that a female was found with injuries to her upper body and died shortly after, but would not give an age or name.
Media reports say two homes within two blocks of each other were surrounded by officers and that a person was seen fleeing from the area, but no arrest has been made.
"They've been in shock and trying to come to terms with what has happened to their mother," Evans said after speaking to Leary's family.
Leary contributed many skills to her community, Evans said.
"She played a very important role while we were building our high school," he said.
Neighbours believe Leary was killed during a home invasion. Police have not released a cause of death.
(CJOB)
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