Obituary of Caralee HEAVENFIRE (nee LITTLELEAF)

"Peace Pipe Woman"

"Shining Star"

September 24, 1963 – Fort Macleod, Alberta

February 1, 2020 – Calgary, Alberta

Caralee Heavenfire, beloved wife of Gordon MacDonald of Calgary, AB, passed away on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at the age of 56 years.

Caralee attended high school at E.P. Scarlett, during which time she was able to visit Japan. She also attended modeling school. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science from Mount Royal University. Over the years she was employed in administration at Redwood Meadows, Tsuut'ina Property Management, Tsuut'ina Education, and Tsuut'ina Health Centre. Her grandfather, the late David Onespot, named her Peace Pipe Woman, and when she was a Sarcee Princess (from 1980 – 1982), she became Shining Star. Caralee volunteered and was a big support for various sports teams such as the Tsuut’ina Royals Basketball team and was a co-founder of the Tsuut’ina Charity Golf Tournament. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchild. Her most memorable vacation was in 2015, at the age of 52, when she went to Maui. She always had a special place in the hearts of those she was connected to. She loved her family and enjoyed being with them. Caralee will be most remembered for her kindness.

Besides her common-law husband Gord MacDonald, Caralee is survived by two sons, Nicholas Heavenfire (Kady Small Legs) of Tsuut’ina and William MacDonald of Calgary; her twin daughters, Angela Heavenfire-Memnook (Eugene Memnook) and Alison Heavenfire (JR Small Legs), of Tsuut’ina Nation; seven grandchildren, Natasha, Lucas (Sativa), Kobie, Nickyla, Drake, Alaina, and Aerith; and a great-granddaughter Evie. She is also survived by two brothers, Robb Heavenfire and James Heavenfire; brothers-in-law, Ernie, Ron (Sue), Ron Chaddock; sister Jill Littleleaf; sisters-in-law, Lorraine and Leslie; nieces, August, Jamie, and Davi; nephews, Talon, Jacob, Zane, Ryan, Justus, and Jin; her best friend Patricia Simon; special helper Sonya Hartmann; family friend Ross Wiseman; her parents Tom Heavenfire and Marjorie Littleleaf of Tsuut’ina Nation; her father-in-law Bill (Spider) MacDonald; her beloved pet Lainie; and numerous aunties, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, adopted children and friends. She was predeceased by her grandparents, David Onespot, Christine and George Heavenfire, Esther and James Littleleaf, and Gwen MacDonald.

Wake Services will be held at the residence of Nicholas Heavenfire, Tsuut’ina Nation, AB, on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.

A Celebration of Caralee’s Life will be held at Bullhead Hall on Saturday, February 8, 2020, at 11:00 a.m. Graveside Service to follow at Tsuut’ina Cemetery (Tsuut’ina Nation, AB). A Traditional Feast will be held at Bullhead Hall (Tsuut’ina Nation, AB) immediately following the graveside. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed on Caralee’s obituary at www.McInnisandHolloway.com. The family would like to thank Tsuut'ina Chief and Council, Tsuut'ina Health Centre, the Staff from Unit 78 at the South Health Campus.

In living memory of Caralee Heavenfire a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE SW, Calgary, AB, T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.