MARY ELIZABETH MALLETT

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MARY ELIZABETH MALLETT January 29, 1916 - November 29, 2007 It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our Mother, Grandmother, Great- Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Mary Elizabeth Mallett. After a short illness and with her son Ben by her side Mom passed away at the age of 91 at the Percy E. Moore hospital in Hodgson, MB. A lifelong resident of Fisher River Cree Nation, Mom was predeceased by husband Benjamin Mallett in 1991, mother Mary Jane Hudson, sister Nora Mallett, brother Edward Hudson, daughter Merdina Bradburn, daughter Merna in infancy, grandchild Denise, and great- grandchild Nestor. Mom is survived by sisters, Margaret Kemash and Dorothy Crate (Fred) and brother Frank Hudson; by daughters, Shirley Jonasson of Arborg, Matilda Mallett of Fisher River, Merrilla Mallett of Calgary, Lorraine Jonasson of Selkirk, and Valerie Fontaine of Winnipeg; as well as by sons, Ben Mallett of Fisher River, and Milton and Brian Mallett of Vancouver. Granny also is survived by 29 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren, and 21 great-great-grandchildren, as well as by numerous relatives throughout Canada, The United States and in the Fisher River and Peguis areas. Mom was a respected Elder and was dearly loved by many long-time friends and members of the Fisher River community. She was a devout Christian as a member of the United Church of Canada and the Stevens United Church in Fisher River. Mom was born in Berens River First Nation where she still had many friends and relatives. Her biological father, Lawrence Keeper, passed away when Mom was three years old at which time her Mother Mary Jane moved to Koostatak, MB, where she married Alec Hudson. Mom herself married into the Mallett family of Koostatak and shared 51 years of devoted married life with Ben Mallett Sr., one of seven brothers born to Joseph and Mary Anne. Despite very trying times and a sometimes hand to mouth existence, they raised their children and grandchildren to be strong and independent. True to her own teachings and setting an example for all those who knew and loved her, Mom lived a strong and independent life right up until the end. She had many talents and gifts and was a keeper of traditional skills and knowledge and the Cree language. As a spiritual person and follower of traditional medicines and beliefs, she sought out the assistance of spiritual healers during illness and troubling times. Mom was a very wise woman who imparted many important life lessons on the family. She always had simple, yet powerful and practical, words of advice for all her children and grandchildren. As we reflect on her legacy and on her life we hold these words close to our hearts. In keeping with her nurturing instincts and love of children, Mom was known to have helped many families in the community with childcare throughout her life. In her later years, she loved to crochet, knit, and embroider. When she wasn't busy with this she worked on her puzzles, which she liked to show to visitors and family. Mom also loved her pets and all animals. Most importantly she loved to reminisce, joke, and laugh with friends from the community. Her family and friends will miss her wit and sense of humour, which she kept right up until the final moments. For their continued support, the family would like to extend their deepest appreciation and sincere thanks to Fisher River Cree Nation Chief and Council, the Ochekwi Sipi Personal Care Home where Mom spent her final days, and to Dr. Scott and the staff of Percy E. Moore Hospital. And a special thank you to Mom's special friends Tom and Holly Leeman of the Dallas store. Wake services will be held Wednesday, December 5, 2007 at 6:00 p.m. at the Stevens United Church in Fisher River, MB. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, December 6, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Stevens United Church, Reverend John Halcrowe officiating. Rest in Peace, Mom. You will be greatly missed by your family and by all those who knew and loved you. Fisher Funeral Home in care of arrangements (204) 372-6271 or (204) 372-6803.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Dec 04, 2007