Obituary of Madeline Mayfield

Madeline Mayfield passed away at the Siskika Elder’s Lodge, Sunday, May 21, 2006. She went home to be with our Creator at the age of 89. Born to Jack Waters (nee Bear Chief) and Polly Going To The Crees on March 14, 1917 on the Tsuu Tina Nation. She was later to be raised by her gandparents Minnie and William Bear Chief. Madeline attended residential school at the Old Agency on the Tsuu Tina Nation until it closed. She married Tony Crane Bear and had eight children, Tony passed away in 1950. She re-married in 1952, to Mark Mayfield and had one son. Mark went to be with our Creator in 1994. Later on in life, she made Calgary her home which moved her closer to Tsuu Tina and was able to visit family and friends often. Madeline never missed the Calgary Stampede. Each and every year, you could find her sitting in front of her sister’s tipi, like a prominent fixture. Even though she was in a wheelchair, Madeline managed to get around. Her most enjoyable times were travelling to Pow Wows and years later in life through the Tsuu Tina and Siksika Elder’s Groups, Madeline was able to attend many Pow Wows like Kamloopa, Drumheller, Siksika Nation and Tsuu Tina Nation, something she loved. She spoke three languages (tri-lingual) Tsuu Tina, Blackfoot and English, but was also able to carry on intelligent conversations in Stoney and Cree. Madeline was a real whiz at “Search A Word” she would spend countless hours doing her puzzles. She will be sadly missed and forever remembered by all those who knew and were dear to her. Madeline is survived by her daughter, Cora Dell Crane Bear; son, Fred Mayfield; special granddaughters, Nora Prairie Chicken (Mark Dubois), Julie (Dan Crane); grandsons, Cliff Crane Bear, Rick Pairie Chicken, LeRoy Crane Bear (Evelyn), Broderick Prairie Chicken (Mavis), John Patrick, Robert and Scott Spence; twenty-three great-grandchildren and forty-nine great great-grandchildren. She was predeceased by her first and second husbands, Tony Crane Bear and Mark Mayfield; sister, Louise Big Plume; daughters, Lilia Prairie Chicken, Rowena and Mabel Crane Bear; son, Jasper Crane Bear; numerous relatives on the Tsuu Tina and Siksika Nation, Big Plume, Otter, Starlight, Big Crow, Many Wounds, Heaven Fire, Bear Chief, Duck Chief, Back Fat, Big Snake, Scalplock, Spotted Eagle, Smith, Stimson, Turning Robe, Drunken Chief, Winnipeg, Yellow Old Woman, Doore, Crane Bear, Mayfield, Calf Child, as well as numerous nieces and nephews too many to mention. The family apologizes for anybody that may have been missed. Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at McINNIS & HOLLOWAY’S Park Memorial Chapel (5008 Elbow Drive S.W.) on Sunday, May 28, 2006 from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Wake Services will be held at the the Siksika Arbour (Siksika Nation) on Sunday 28, 2006 at 6:00 p.m.. Funeral Services will be celebrated at Siksika Arbour (Siksika Nation, AB.) on Monday, May 29, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Paul Little Walker Cemetery (Siksika Nation, AB). Forward condolences through www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to express a “Special Thank You” to Siksika Elder’s Lodge Staff and P.C.A.’s. In living memory of Madeline Mayfield, a tree will be dedicated at Siksika Nation by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W. Telephone: (403) 243-8200.