Obituary of Shirley Starlight

April 29, 1943 - March 1, 2022

It is will great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our beloved Mother, Grandmother, sister, and auntie, Shirley Starlight (nee Many Bears) at the age of 78 years. Shirley passed away peacefully at her residence on Tsuut’ina Nation.

She is survived by her only daughter, Tricia (Fabian), her granddaughters, Kimberly (Lumori) and Meredith (Jere); and grandson Cody, great granddaughters Kiara and Rain; great grandsons Thomas and Birdie; her auntie Mary Steele, and also her beloved pet Josie. Adopted kids, whom she called her own, Carol Young and Louie Starlight; adopted grandkids, whom she took in as her own, Jamie Young, Bethany and Jeffery Blondeau. She is also survived by her brother, William Many Bears, sister, Delia (Pat) Twigg, nieces, Irene, Nikki, Angela, Kristen and Gina; nephews, Doug, Joe, Boss Q and Stevie; and also, her great nieces and nephews, and her god children, Bonita Creighton and Byron Bruised Head. She is also survived by her extended families, Big Plume, Many Bears, Beebe, Mistaken Chief, Red Crow, Bruised Head, and Blood.  Please accept our apologies if we missed anyone.

Shirley Starlight was born in Cardston, Alberta to George and Irene Many Bears. She attended St. Mary’s Residential School and Ermineskin Residential School. She took her accounting training. Shirley has made her home in Tsuut’ina 57 years ago. She contributed to Tsuut’ina Nation by working at the Band office in accounting. She also worked as a cook at the Spirit Healing Lodge with her beloved auntie, the late Rachel Big Plume. She worked at the first Tsuut’ina Museum with Gloria and the late Aileen Runner. She also worked at the Tsuut’ina Jr/Sr. High School, Sportsplex Concession and Agriplex during rodeo seasons. She sold fried bread at the Gas Bar. Shirley was known as the “Hot Dog” lady at the Tsuut’ina Diamonds. Shirley also worked with Wolf’s Flats Ordinance Company, which she totally enjoyed.

Shirley was a devout Catholic. She made annual trips to Lac St. Anne Pilgrimage. She was a strong-willed, Independent Woman.  She was a mother and grandmother to her son in law Fabian’s siblings, nieces and nephews, who respected and felt most comfortable by her.

Shirley was predeceased by her parents, George and Irene Many Bears; brothers, Brian, Delbert and Gus Many Bears; two sisters, and her dear auntie/mom, Rachel Big Plume, and auntie Philemena, auntie Lucy Blood and her niece Williamena.

Wake services will be held at Shirley’s residence, 402 Dawson hill Road, Tsuutina Nation, Alberta, Friday March 11, 2022 at 6:00pm. Funeral Service, March 12, 2022 at 11:00am at Our Lady of Peace Church, Tsuutina Nation, Alberta, followed by graveside service at Tsuut’ina Cemetery. Feast to follow with a Drive thru service at Bullhead Hall. The Family would like to thank Tsuut’ina Emergency Services for their kindness and Care for Shirley.