Virginia Medicine Traveller

Obituary of Virginia Medicine Traveller

March 6, 1926 – Siksika Nation, Alberta

November 18, 2021 – Siksika Nation, Alberta

 

It is with deep sadness we announce the passing of our beloved mom, Virginia Medicine Traveller on Thursday, November 18, 2021, at the age of 95 years old.

 

Mom was born on March 6, 1926, at the Blackfoot Indian Hospital, Siksika Nation. She was a strong and a courageous woman. She was a dedicated and loving wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend to many, young and old. She was well respected and admired for her generosity, and her kindness to all who became a part of her life. Mom had many traditional adopted children/grandchildren.

 

Mom was educated at Old Sun Indian Residential School. She was encouraged at an early age by her father, Teddy Yellow Fly to leave and work off Reserve in the United States; as well as Edmonton at the Charles Camsell Hospital. She later returned home to work at the Old Sun Residential School. Mom worked at the Blackfoot Hospital for many years, and later transferred to Siksika Medicine Lodge until she retired.

 

Mom was known for her legacy of service to the community, serving on several boards and committees, such as housing, family service, health, community service, and other areas as a guide. Mom was known for her wisdom and intelligence. Mom was an active church member, a pillar, and a rock for the Siksika Anglican Church. She was also a member of the ACW. Mom loved her Cursillo family and will be blessed to join them.

 

Mom was a blessing to a five-generation family. Mom not only raised her ten children but took part in raising several nieces and nephews of both her and her husband’s family. Mom will be lovingly remembered for her love and taking in anyone as her own.

 

Mom is survived by her daughters, Rita, Myrna (Morris), Brenda, Letty, and Sharon; and sons, Allan (Jennifer), Gordon, Gary, and Reynold. Mom cherished her 185 grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. Mom is also survived by her nieces, Bernice YF, Betty YF (Ernie), Eileen (Hank), Shirley YF, Pauline YF, special niece Sharon YF (Russell), Floria DC, Joy L, Polly YF, Debbie YF, Sally YF, Sandra Blackface, Ethel MT, Donna LL, Ina RC, Joyce R, Jaylene (Randy), Pearline MT, Rosa MT, Sandra OS, Fanny (Len), Cheryl OS (Joe), Myra, Mildred SB, Tina H, Paulette (Glen),  Gillian, and Cecile (Horton); and nephews, Wesley, Delbert (Jackie), Sherman (Marcia), special nephew Barry, Alvin (Delia), Trent (Marion), Curtis, Eddy, Eugene, Jerome, Curtis (Denise), Woodrow, and Leroy (Marsha), Ronnie (Theresa). The Family would also like to include Alvina Bear Chief and goddaughter Michelle (Bubbles) Lowhorn. Also, the Ayoungman, Fox, Spotted Eagle, Poor Eagle, BullBear, Pretty Youngman, McMaster, Little Chief, White Eagle, and Plaitted Hair families. The family apologizes to anyone we have missed during this difficult time.

 

Mom is cherished by her only surviving baby brother Noel, she always made sure he was looked after and loved him dearly.

 

Mom was predeceased by her husband Allan Medicine Traveller, sons, Winston, Donald, Terrold, and Emil; grandchildren, Anita, Tuffy, Rambert, Kelly, and Jason; several nieces and nephews; daughters-in-law, Harvina, and Linda; sons-in-law, Malcom, and Terry; parents, Teddy and Jane Yellow Fly; sister Emma Jane; brothers, Gordon (Ida), Kenneth, Art (Teresa), Percy (Cecile), Ernest (Celina), Gibbon, and Marina; parents-in-law, Emil and Rita Medicine Travellers; sisters-in-law, Hazel, and Jeanette; brothers-in-law, Daniel (Martha), Raymond (Caroline), Richard “RB” Bedford, and John LL.

 

The Family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of support, the many prayers, and donations from the community, Chief and Council, Romeo Crow Chief, The Health Service. Especially Siksika Elders Lodge staff/residents, as they were her second family and provided awesome care and love for Mom 24/7. All of the many people who helped in a big way, the Family is so very grateful. The Family is also grateful for the moccasins prepared for her journey to meet our precious Lord. Thank you, (Lucy) for the beautiful story they came with.

 

Mom was so proud of the Gordon Yellow Fly Piiksapi Powwow Arbour named after her oldest brother. Today, Mom will be so proud to be carried out of the Arbour to meet and rest with her dear family. She will be happy to meet her Cursillo family, whom she loved and adored.

 

A Public Viewing will be held at the Gordon Yellow Fly Piiksapi Powwow Arbor prior to the Funeral Service on Monday, November 22, 2021, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 

Funeral Services will be held at the Gordon Yellow Fly Piiksapi Powwow Arbor (Siksika Nation, AB) on Monday, November 22, 2021, at 1:00 p.m. Bishop Sidney Black, Archbishop Gregory Kerr-Wilson, and Rev. Larry Water Chief officiating. Followed by Graveside Service at Paul Little Walker Cemetery. We would like to remind people who will be attending that masks must be worn at all times, and hand sanitizer will be made available in accordance with local Covid-19 Health regulations.

 

In living memory of Virginia Medicine Traveller, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.

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