Obituary of Kootenay-Crow Meh-Ahnee-Sto-Ska-Kee

Irene, beloved wife of Addison Crow Spreads His Wings, passed away peacefully surrounded by close friends and family on Monday, April 14, 2008 at the age of 54 years. Irene was born and raised on the Stoney Reserve. During her early years, she was very athletic. She played basketball and participated in Rodeo?s. Every year she would always look forward to the Calgary Stampede. Her late father, Douglas Kootenay Sr., would set up his tee-pee and compete in Chuckwagon and Rodeo, this became a family tradition for her. Irene met and fell in love with her husband Addison in the fall of 1972 and they began their journey of love, compassion and commitment for one another for thirty-five years. Shortly after getting married she moved to the Blood Reserve where she and her husband shared a beautiful house and raised their children, Lionel, Kristy, Janine and Tytus for twenty-five years. While in Kainai, Irene was taught the true spiritual and cultural teachings of the Blood?s and its societies. Not only was she educated culturally, she pursued education in the social work and mental health fields. She studied at the Red Crow College and then went on to The University of Lethbridge and The University of Calgary. She was very passionate about her life?s work. She took pride in her ability to help people young and old during their time of need. She not only contributed but played a major role in sustaining The First Nation?s way if life, language, culture and tradition. She was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin and best friend to all that knew her. Irene will be dearly missed by the Nation of Treaty Seven. Irene is survived by her husband Addison; children, Lionel, Kristy, Janine and Tytus Crow Spreads His Wings; siblings, Beryl Kootenay, Douglas Jr. (Laverne) Kootenay, Myrna Kootenay, Lana Kootenay; sisters-in-law, Mary-Ann Crow Healy, Myra June Crow, late Dolores Crow, late Patricia Small Eyes; brothers-in-law, Joseph Claude Crow, Johnny Small Eyes, late Adrian Small Eyes; grandchildren, Taylor, Dakota and Tatum; special life time friends, Christine Holloway, Philomena Stevens, Jack Haynen, Agnes First Charger, Francis (Judy) First Charger, Sylvia Crying Head, Myrna Crow Chief; family friends, Red Crow family, Black Water family, May Tallow, Joyce Old Shoes, Big Sorrow Horses family, First Charger family, Crop Eared Wolf family, Small Face family, Chief Calf family, Crow Chief family, Eagle Bear family, Long Time Squirrels, Calf Robe family, Marie Marule, Bob (Laura) Jarvis, Simeon family, Twoyoungmen, Wildman, House, Poucette and Stevens family; special cousins, Connie Holloway, Brenda Salter, Connie Poucette, Anita Towyoungmen, Harold Simeon, Madeline Young Emily (Rod) Hunter and Kurly (Loretta) Daniels; nieces, Floranda Kootenay, Ilona Kootenay, Clarissa, Toshia, Trina, Chantelle, Elvina Kootenay, Sheila Crow-Healy, Kelly Crow-Healy, Dana Big Snake, Loveanna Crow, Elaine Kootenay; nephews, Blaine, Cameron (Jovita) Kootenay, Daryl Kootenay, Christopher Kootenay, Carlen Big Snake, Kirk Crow and Jason Crow. She is also survived by Siksika families, Turning-Robe?s, Axe?s, Brass?, Breaker?s, and Running-Rabbit?s and Blood families, Singer?s , Frank?s, Black-Rabbit?s, Crane-Chief?s, Shade?s, Weasel-Moccasin?s, and all of her school colleagues. Irene is predeceased by her parents Douglas and Ruth Kootenay; brothers Earl (1958), Harley (1978), David (1991); nephews, Owen (2001), Norbet (2006), The Crow family would like to apologize if we have missed anyone. Wake Services will be held at the residence of her daughter Kristy Crow (Morley, AB) on Saturday, April 19, 2008 and Sunday, April 20, 2008. Funeral Services will be held on Monday, April 21, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Morley Community Gymnasium (Morley, AB). Graveside Service to follow at Bearspaw Cemetery (Morley, AB). Gerald Powderface officiating. Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Irene Kootenay-Crow, a tree will be planted at Fish Creek Provincial Park by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES ?Cochrane Chapel?, 369 Railway Street. Telephone: (403) 932-4740.