MARY MARGARET RICHARD, O.M.

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MARY MARGARET RICHARD, O.M. Akokaochise (Groundhog) from the Mahkwa (Bear) Clan June 7, 1940 - September 9, 2010 With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Friend and Boss of Everybody on September 9, 2010 at the Health Sciences Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Mary is survived by her son Gerry, granddaughter Ashley, sisters: Betty, Marilyn (Ben), Bernie (Bill), brothers: Eugene (Judy), Francis (Rhonda), sister-in-law Kathy McLeod, adopted brother Joe Bova and numerous nephews and nieces. Mary is predeceased by her husband Damas, sons Joseph and Robert, parents John and Virginia McLeod, six infant siblings, Alvina (Clarence), Agnes (Valentine), Alma (Knute), Flora (Mac), Lena (Tom), Sebastian, Nelly (Michael). Mary was born in her home in Camperville, Manitoba on June 7, 1940 and became part of a large family of 13 surviving siblings. Mary was a natural storyteller, often sharing stories about growing up in a traditional Metis community that she lovingly referred to as the Metis Capital of the World. Her stories left everyone with vivid images of horse drawn wagons, berry picking, fishing, fiddling and jigging. She was drawn to Winnipeg as a young woman to pursue a career in hairdressing of which some appreciate and others didn't. She fell in love with her life long partner Damas and became a domestic engineer until her two sons were old enough. It was at this time that she became active in the urban Aboriginal community which became her life long passion and forever changed the lives of Aboriginal families in Winnipeg and North America. Mary was involved in many local, provincial, federal, national boards and committees such as: Senator for the National Association of Friendship Centre; President of the Aboriginal Council of Winnipeg, President of Indigenous Women's Collective, Executive Director of the Manitoba Association of Native Languages, Co-owner of Bungees Restaurant, President and CEO, Circle of Life Thunderbird House, Board member of Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Neeginan, Median Credit Union, North Main Task Force, National Economic Development, Indian Business Development Group, Nuclear Waste Management and Native Women's Transition Centre to name a few. She was also involved in Aboriginal Senior Resource Centre and Kekinan Centre. She was recognized for her hard work and dedication in the community and was awarded the Order of Manitoba, Order of the Buffalo Hunt, YM-YWCA Woman of Distinction Award to name a few. Her greatest accomplishment and pride and joy came from her love for her granddaughter Ashley, son Gerry, her family and dear friends who were often put to work to help her help others. There was no act of kindness too small or too big for Mary to tackle and no limit to what she would do for her community. Mary will forever be remembered for her love of two stepping, travelling, Opera, our local historian and being fluent in English, Ojibway and Cree. The light of Mary's life is her granddaughter Ashley who brought so much love, joy and inspiration to her life. Their special bond will forever live in the hearts and minds of her family for many generations to come. Honorary Pallbearers: Joan Spencer, Tom Lavallee, Glenn Cochrane, Lawrence Houle and all nieces and nephews and extended family and friends. A special thank you to niece Corrinne Bourgeois-Thibert for the many loving tasks and genuine care you gave Mary. The family would like to express their appreciation to the staff at the Health Sciences Centre for their compassion and kindness shown to Mary and her family. A Celebration of Her Life will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2010 at the Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg - 181 Higgins Avenue, Winnipeg, Manitoba beginning at 9:00 a.m. with a pipe ceremony. In true Mary Richard style, a special hot meal will be served including a final toast to celebrate her life. Interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Funeral Home at 4000 Portage Avenue. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following charities: Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre, Circle of Life Thunderbird House and Aboriginal Centre of Winnipeg.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Sep 13, 2010