Obituary of Bernadette Florine Sleigh

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Florine Sleigh on Sunday, April 29, 2007 at the age of 53 years. Florine passed away peacefully at the Peter Lougheed Hospital surrounded by her many family and friends. Florine was a very humble, beautiful woman who was always full of joy and had a smile for anyone who came into contact with her. This smile lit up a room and put people at ease when they were in her presence. All who knew her will miss her charming and outgoing personality, keen sense of humour, and hearing her infectious laugh. Florine took great pride in the aboriginal traditional way of living, encouraging her children and grandchildren to take part in pow-wows, round dances and anything that would enrich those traditions; she can still be pictured sitting at her table beading regalia for her family, or making jewellery to showcase. She was also a firm believer in the rosary and was a caring, giving and loving grandmother who always doted on her grandchildren and was very proud of them; her heart was so big that all children gravitated to her. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, auntie, niece, cousin and friend. Overall she was an extremely genuine human being, who took pleasure in the simple things in life. Florine was such a helper and healer, whether it was volunteering her time with troubled youth; or just sitting down listening to her family and offering sound advice. Those who loved her will forever miss her. Florine was born on January 7, 1954 at Siksika. She is survived by her husband of 22 years George Cardinal, her children Theresa (Sheldon), Tanya (Austin), Chris (Tanya), Monique (Dez), Brennan, Michael, and Kelly. She will be greatly missed by her 19 grandchildren: Chris, Amanda, Lori, Sheldon Jr., Michellaine, Brittany, Tonishaye, Chris Jr., Desmond, Chaz, Tiahna, Jahlon, Obehi, Tahjuan, Izehiabon, Tyniva, Trinity, Cyprus, and Omotelsele. She will be greatly missed by her brothers and sisters: John, Matthew, Christine, Catherine (Harvey), Lavina (Clayton), and Francis Sleigh. Brothers and Sisters-in-law: Barb, Leonard, Irene, Robert, Pearl, Stan, Doreen and Jenny Cardinal. Florine is also survived by her aunties: Rose Alma Many Shots, Marie (Gordon) Crowchild, Margaret Good Eagle and Maggie Black Kettle; and one uncle Leonard (Ann Marie) Good Eagle. There are also numerous nephews & nieces, too many to mention. Extended relative the Good Eagles, Leathers, Manyfires, Crowchiefs, Big Snakes, Drunken Chiefs, Big Tobaccos, Sitting Eagles, Scalplocks, Manyshots, White Eagles, White Elks, Calfs, Sun Walks, Bearhats, Littlechiefs, Black Kettles, Three Suns, Weasel Heads, Maggie Lafrances family, Rose Many-Wounds family, Marie Crowchilds family, with apologies to those missed. Florine was predeceased by her parents Alphonse and Helen Sleigh, Parents-in-laws Germaine and Alice Cardinal, grandparents Joe and Laura Good Eagle and Tom Eagle Rib. Her brother and sister Harold Sleigh and Cecile Yellowfly, brothers and sisters-in-law: PercyYellowfly, Leona Sleigh, Violet Cardinal and Avery Delorme. Aunties: Mary Laura Leather, Lucy Weasel Head, Maggie LaFrance, Rose Manywounds; Uncle Harry Good Eagle and Joe Black Face Chief. The Family wishes to thank all those who supported them in their time of need. Also big thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff in the ICU at Peter Lougheed. Wake Services will be held at Sister Celine Memorial Parish Hall on Sunday, May 6, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be held at Holy Trinity Catholic Church (Siksika Nation, AB) on Monday, May 7, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside service to follow at Crowfoot Cemetery (Siksika Nation, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. In living memory of Florine Sleigh, a tree will be planted at Siksika Nation by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Eastside Memorial Chapel, 5388 MEMORIAL DRIVE N.E. Telephone: (403) 248-8585.