Obituary of Verda Bernice Abraham

It is with sorrow and in celebration of her life that we announce the passing of our beloved wife, mother and family matriarch, Verda Bernice Abraham (Woyathithi Wiya). Called home by the Creator after a long but courageous battle with breast cancer, we take comfort in the knowledge that she is now forever free from pain as she makes her final journey home. Verda was born and raised on the Stoney Nation, where she attended Morley Indian Residential School until she met her husband to be, Joseph. Together they raised their children at Big Horn and they lived a traditional way of life with many summers spent at hunting camps in the Kootenay Plains and Burnt Timber regions. Verda was a kind and loving person who strongly believed in the traditional teachings and practices of the Nakoda people. She was the Head Dancer for women when her husband held Sun Dances, and she proudly supported her husband as he conducted healing ceremonies. Known for her kindness and generosity, Verda loved life, laughter and children, often adopting others into her already large family. A mother of nine children, she also raised seven grandchildren which proved to be a testament of her love of children. Verda will forever be in our hearts and will be sadly missed by her devoted husband of forty nine years, Joe, who never left her side as she battled this illness. She also leaves to mourn her children Eldred (Diane), Rayline (Ted), Jolene (Brian), Michelle (Floyd), Jolanda, Vincent (Agnes), Harry (Arlivia), Lindsay (Jayson), and Eldrena (Clint); her siblings Tina Fox, Dora Poucette, Virgina House, Tyrone Hunter, Clint Hunter, traditionally adopted sons, Keith Cecil, Donald Rider, Melvin Goodrunning, Delroy Cecil and Anthony Warren. Also mourning her passing are fifty one grandchildren and forty two great-grandchildren, as well as relatives from the Chiniki, Poucette, Mark and Hunter clans. Verda was predeceased by her father Noah Poucette in 1970, her mother Mary Mark in 1949, and siblings Darren Hunter, Bradford Hunter, Radford Hunter, Evangeline Rider, and Joe Poucette. She was also predeceased by her adopted mother, Cora House and her aunt, Annie Hunter with whom she was close. Wake Services will be held at the residence of Vincent and Agnes Abraham (Morley, AB) on October 4 & 5, 2008. Funeral Services will be held at the Morley Gymnasium (Morley, AB) on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at the Wesley Cemetery (Morley, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. Our special thanks to Dr. Whitten, Joyce Richie RN, Donna Lee RN, and for the staff at Rocky Mountain House Health Centre, and the Foothills Medical Centre. In living memory of Verda, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Cochrane Funeral Home, 369 RAILWAY STREET, COCHRANE. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.