Obituary of Marvalene Cecil

“Opabin Weya”

January 25, 1964 - Banff, Alberta

August 27, 2023 - Calgary, Alberta

Marvalene “Mawa” Cecil of Goodstoney First Nations passed away peacefully with family by her side on Sunday, August 27, 2023 at the age of 59 years.

Marvalene was known by many families as “Mawa”, she will be remembered and missed by those who knew her. At an early age, Mawa had only brothers and would travel to hockey games, and fastball games with her brothers.

She was raised traditionally and raised well mannered. Mawa was very hospitable person, ever since she was a young girl. Going to her house, she would cook and feed whoever went to visit.

Every summer the whole family will pack up and go on a long camping trip. She would shine when it came to hunting, and fishing. There used to be competitions at the camp. She was fast at skinning deer back in the day. Mawa enjoyed going hunting with her husband and enjoyed the beautiful mountains.

Mawa grew up with her nieces and nephews, who were close in age. They all respected her as their Aunty, and she was honoured to hold the title. She loved all her family. She was a champ at playing jacks and card games.

The greatest gift in Mawa’s life is her kids, and her grandchildren, who she loved dearly and would do literally anything for them. Every Christmas she always made sure everyone had gifts, and cooked the best dinners.

Marvalene leaves behind her loving husband Justin, her children Eveline, Chris, and Julianna (Clint); her four grandchildren Azaeleah, Wade, Sammy, and Jason; her brothers Frank, Johnny, Wesley, Bruce Wesley-Beaver (Florence), Marvin Bigstony (Jody); sisters Nelda Bigstony, Sylvia Bigstony (Gordon); traditionally adopted sister Yolanda Bigstony (Floyd). Mawa held her special nephew Cedric close in her heart. Mawa leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins of Morley, Bighorn, and Eden Valley. We apologize if we have missed anyone.

Marvalene was predeceased by her parents Evelyn and Gordon Cecil, David (Joan) Cecil, Irby-Marilyn Cecil, Clarence Margertte Cecil, Milian Cecil, her one sister, and her stillborn daughter Anjelica Cecil-Stevens.

Wake Services will be held at the residence Julianna Cecil (Chiniki Trailer 8, Morley, AB) on Wednesday, August 30, 2023 at 2:30 p.m. Funeral Services will be held at Morley United Church (Morley, AB) on Thursday, August 31, 2023 at 12:00 p.m.  Graveside Service to follow at Cecil Cemetery (Morley, AB). Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed at www.MHFH.com.

In living memory of Marvalene Cecil, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Cochrane, 369 Railway Street, Cochrane, AB T4C 2E2, Telephone: 403-932-4740.