Obituary of Many Bears

Frances was sent home to our Creator on Sunday, October 19, 2008 at the age of 71 years. She was born and raised on Siksika Nation where she started her education and went onto Mount Royal College. Her late father Frank always encouraged and supported Frances to complete her education which she did complete. Frances was also one of the very first Siksika Nation Band employees and spoke of her experiences fondly. Frances achieved many personal and professional goals through determination, motivation and tenacity and as a result had a very successful art business along with her late husband Aloysius. Their business ventures created employment opportunities for Nation members and a lasting legacy for Nation businesses to follow. Furthermore, Frances always had time to assist her parents and brothers with their ranching and farming business which they successfully owned and operated. In addition, Frances was always involved in Politics at the local or regional level. She will always be remembered for her generosity, knowledge, support, encouragement, and unconditional love for her family, friends and those who knew her. Frances had many hobbies, in particular being an avid Bingo player and a regular at the Bingo Barn. She was a strong believer in our traditional ways of life and attended her last powwow the day before passing and a family reunion gathering a week prior, as we had the opportunity to spend one more last time with her as she was filled with love, happiness, and peace. She will always be remembered for her sense of humor and the care she provided to extended family and finally the love she had for all her Grandchildren as she was proud to be called “Grandmother”. Frances leaves behind her sons and daughters-in-law; James & Crystal Many Bears, Morris & Charlene Many Bears and Andrew Medicine Shield; Daughters and son-in-law; Georgette (Eldred) Medicine Shield, Francine (Jack) Medicine Shield, Alanna (Owen) Many Bears, Krista & Tyler White and her precious grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Frances also leaves behind her brothers; Joe Medicine Shield, Clifford Big Eye, and Steve Red; brother-in-law; Harrison Bull Bear; sisters and her brother-in law; Mary Ann Wells, Annie Running Rabbit and Verona (Wayne) Old Woman; Sisters-in-law; Clara and Patricia Many Bears and Theresa (Jimmy) Knowlton; Frances was a mother to all her nieces, nephews and extended family; adopted daughters, Aileen (Shaun) Runner, Sarah Fleury, and Renee (Murray) Conrad and their families. Frances was predeceased by her loving husband Aloysius, her precious baby Warren Cooper, her parents; Frank and Mary Medicine Shield, her brothers; George (Edith)Medicine Shield, Steven Medicine Shield, Franklin Medicine Shield Jr. and Clifford Red; her sisters; Mary Louise Solway, Rosie (Adam)Solway, Jane Bull Bear, Christine (Waymen) McMaster and Geraldine Medicine Shield; mother and father-in-law Alice and Jim Many Bears; brothers-in-laws Julius and Francis Many Bears. Wake Services will be held at Little Washington Community Centre (Siksika Nation, AB) today, October 24, 2008 at 6:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Siksika Nation, AB) on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 1:00 P.M. Graveside Service to follow at Crowfoot Cemetery. The family would like to thank her doctors; Dr. Sader and Dr. Wowk, Strathmore Hospital, Elders Lodge, Crisis Unit and Home Care Staff and visitors for taking great care of our mother during her lengthy illness. The family would also like to thank Siksika Treasury and all those for your financial support and contribution during this difficult time. In living memory of Frances Many Bears, a tree will be planted at Siksika Nation by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.