Obituary of Julia Wright

Exactly 11 years ago, on September 25, 1996, Grandpa Russell left Grandma Dynamite only to prepare a special place in heaven. Our Creator sent his best angel, “Papa” to help bring Julia to heaven on Tuesday, September 25, 2007; now they are joined as one. Grandma lived her life to the fullest with strong faith, love and hope in the Lord. These values were passed down and instilled in the hearts of those who knew her. Grandma was passionate about people, as she had adopted many in our traditional way. She was affectionately known as “Grandma Dynamite” because of her strength, courage and cowgirl attitude. Horses and cattle have always been a part of Grandma’s life. She was raised on the Three Suns Ranch. Her legacy continued by raising her own family on the Wright Ranch. In a true sense she was a cowgirl and many respected her wisdom and ranching lifestyle. She adopted many cowboys as her own. Grandma had the honor as a Ninamskakii, two-time holder of our sacred Medicine pipes, Rider’s pipe and Mountain Medicine pipe. She honored our traditional way of life through ceremonies and was well known on the Pow-wow trail. Because of her knowledge of our Siksika culture, she was considered a Traditional Teacher. She was one of the founding members who envisioned the Blackfoot Crossing Historic Park for her valuable work in maintaining the museum. Her love for children was demonstrated when she worked at the day care by teaching them our Siksika Language. She was gifted in giving Traditional names to many children. Her greatest passion was her beadwork. She shared her talent by teaching her daughters and granddaughters along with many others. She was an original member of the Anglican Church Women (ACW). Her dedication and work can be demonstrated by her and along with others who successfully built the existing church. Grandma believed in our Creator and felt very blessed to be surrounded by her loving family at the time of her passing. She leaves behind her family of the Heavy Shield Clan and extended families of the Three Suns, Beebes, Stimson, Hairy Bull, Wolf Child, Running Rabbit, Crow Chief, Plaited Hair, Poor Eagle and Big Snakes. Our dear mom and grandma was a very special lady; she will be remembered for her strong character and love for many. She is survived by her children George (Dorine), Pinky, Bryan, Arnold (Karen F.), Karen M. (Mario), Lucy (Ted) and Russell Jr.; her thirty-two grandchildren; and her thirty-six great-grandchildren. Grandma raised three of her precious grandchildren, Sasheen “Queenie”, Smith, and Ashley “Muffy”. She will also be remembered by her adopted children, Herman “Peewee” Yellow Old Woman, Melvin “Cadbury” Yellow Old Woman, Eldon Weasel Child, Strater Crowfoot, Thomas Many Guns, Ed Shouting, Dean Simeon, Stanford “Fish” Three Suns, Marcella Olds, Darlene Munro, Violet Meguinnis, Nicole Abbott, Floria Duck Chief, Ann Marie Good Eagle, Marie Bear Chief, Bruce Flewelling, Byron Smith, Rufus Red Gun and Floyd Running Rabbit, Betty Poor Eagle, Joan Poor Eagle and Priscella Three Suns; her god children, Juliet Spotted Bull (nee Red Gun), Shane Water Chief, MaryAnn Black, Late Jolene Wolf leg; and her siblings Pius Three Suns, Emily Red Crow and Theresa Tendoy. Julia was predeceased by her parents, Late Maxim and Late Mary Three Suns, Dick and Margaret Bad Boy, Aunt Beatrice Poor Eagle; her sons, Richard “Dicky”, Robert, Micheal Wright and Henry Three Suns; and her siblings Max, Mike, Alice Three Suns and George Corn Good Eagle. Wake Services will be held at the Wright Ranch (Siksika Nation, AB) on Sunday, September 30, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Trinity Parish (Siksika Nation, AB) on Monday, October 1, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Paul Little Walker Cemetery (Siksika Nation, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In memory of Grandma Julia, memorial tributes may be made directly to the Canadian Cancer Society, 215 – 12 Avenue S.E., Calgary, AB T2G 1A2 Telephone: (403) 205-3966, email debbis@cancer.ab.ca. The family wishes to thank all those who prayed and supported us during this time. May our Creator bless you all! In living memory of Julia Wright, 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.