Obituary of Juanita Violet Fraser

January 18, 1947 - Calgary, Alberta

August 8, 2022 - Calgary, Alberta

Juanita Fraser of Calgary, AB, passed away on Monday, August 8, 2022, at the age of 75 years.

Juanita was raised in Sarcee, AB, (Bragg Creek) until the age of 8 years old. Her family then moved to Calgary, AB, where she remained until her passing. She was always a Daddy’s girl; she loved to jig for him as he played the fiddle. She attended St. Mary’s high school, then continued on to graduate from Delmar College of Hair and Esthetics. She continued to do hair for many years. She was an avid baseball player and helped in the creation of the first Aboriginal Friendship Center for Calgary. Juanita had fond memories of travelling to Japan and Hong Kong with her sister, representing First Nations people of Canada. Juanita was a strong advocate for women’s rights and joined many organizational groups. As well, she spent countless hours in court, where she fought hard for over fifty children and teenagers, so they always knew they were loved and supported, most of whom became her adopted children and cherished family.

Her door was always open to anyone who needed her. Even in her dying moments, she shared her love for all her nieces and nephews. Anyone who was gracious enough to have known her was always greeted with love, warmth, and laughter. Juanita touched many hearts. As we told people of her passing a few of the memories we all shared of her are: her great love for Elvis, horse races, “DON’T YOU EVA”, anything pink, slurpees, KFC, Pepsi, puzzles, instant coffee, Vicks, Bitch Power, the Flames, especially Lanny McDonald, and of course Nanny’s Candys at BBC. She loved going to movies, family BBQs and events, camping, and trips to the Zoo.

Nanny fought a hard battle with COPD and Diabetes, however she continued to show strength and love to her family and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren until her last breath. She will be greatly missed by her huge family including Frasers, Starlights, Daniels and Whitneys.

Juanita is survived by her sister Linda, her children Candy (Guff), and Jason (Janine); adopted children John, Donald, and Jeremy; grandchildren, Stephanie (Trevor), Shyloh, Star (Kika), Samone (Paxton), Sky (Jonathon), Aiyisha (Kylen), Evan, Aroura, Orla, Ocean, Shaymon, Paris, Keeran, and Jaden (Abby); great-grandchildren, Dante, Nathaniel, Carter, Damien, Darion, Dayton, Sinayah, Natalie, Pacey, Penelope, Ruby, special baby girl Layla, Samuel, and Ajay.

Juanita was the eighth child of her family of ten. She was pre-deceased by her father Sam Fraser, mother Ruby (nee Starlight), brothers Monty, Tommy, Donald, Billy, George, and Freddy; sisters Florence and Rachel; grandsons Errol, Ricky, Aeron, and River; adopted sons Terry and Errol; as well as many other family and friends whom she missed dearly. 
We are sincerely grateful to Aiyisha, as she cared for Nanny, day in and day out. Special thank you to Twylla Starlight. Thanks to her doctors and Tsuut’ina Nation.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so during the two day Wake Services at the residence of Samantha Whitney (930 Bullhead Road, Tsuut'ina Nation, AB) on Sunday, August 14, 2022, at 4:00 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Bullhead Hall (Bullhead Road Tsuut'ina Nation, AB) on Tuesday, August 16, 2022, at 12:00 p.m. Feast to follow. Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed here.

In living memory of Juanita Fraser, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Fish Creek, 14441 Bannister Road SE, Calgary, AB T2X 3J3, Telephone: 403-256-9575.

Click Here to View Juanita Fraser's Memorial Card