MARY LOUISE MERCREDI

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MARY LOUISE (LOUISA) MERCREDI (nee TURNER) January 8, 1922 - April 5, 2016 In Loving Memory It is with great sadness and sorrow we announce the passing of our dear mother Louise, at the age of 94 years. She passed away at her home with her children by her bedside. Louise left this world for a place prepared by our Creator to be reunited with her beloved husband George and their dear son, Leslie. Our mother, a well respected elder, was born in Grand Rapids to Jacob and Elizabeth Turner on January 8, 1922. She and her younger brother John lived in Grand Rapids and were raised in the traditional ways of hunting, trapping and fishing, traveling on foot, dog team and by canoe in Cree territories. Mom contributed many years of service on many committees: the Roman Catholic Women's League, Special Minister of Holy Communion according to the rite of the Catholic Church, Grand Rapids School Committee, Local Child Care Committee of Grand Rapids First Nations. She was also involved with political organizations as an avid supporter of the New Democratic Party. Mom was an active participant in community events especially in fundraising activities. She ran the Catholic Women's League bingo for many years, a game she truly enjoyed playing. Mom received an Appreciation Award from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in recognition of her contribution to the commanding officer's Aboriginal Advisory Committee. She was especially honoured to be a recipient of The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal in recognition of her contribution to Canada. Mom had an excellent memory and was knowledgeable of all the kinship relations of Grand Rapids. She was an excellent bead worker and baker, everyone loved her bread and buns. Being with her family, making sure that everyone was taken care of in her own special way gave her great joy. She devoted her life to her family with teachings of love, respect, honesty, and strong guidance of living a good life. She was an avid advocate of education. She instilled in us a strong sense of compassion, fairness and social justice. Mom leaves to mourn her children, Charlotte (Andrew), Ovide (Gerry), Gloria (Rick), Norbert (Adeline), Leona (Albert), Sylvia, Albert (Evie), Margaret (Barry), Valerie (Nick), and Reginald (Lisa). She also leaves behind to remember her with love and fondness, 38 grandchildren, 71 great-grandchildren, 18 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and all her godchildren. Mom is survived by her dear sister-in-law Clara Mercredi, and her caring friend Alice George. Mom was predeceased by her husband George, of 63 years in 2007, her son Leslie, her mother and father Jacob and Elizabeth Turner, brother John Turner, her mother-in-law Charlotte and father-in-law Norbert Mercredi, son-in-law Larry Gard; grandchildren, Lloyd and Floyd Anderson, and great-granddaughter Malorie Marsden. Prayers will be held St. Alexander Catholic Hall in Grand Rapids, MB at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 9 and Sunday, April 10, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. Viewing from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 11. Funeral service will proceed at 1:00 p.m. to Church of St. Alexander escorted by a R.C.M.P. Honour Guard. Father Noel Boulanger officiating. The family would like to extend a special thank you to the St. Paul's Nursing Home as well as St. Anthony's Hospital of The Pas for the wonderful care of our mom, Misipawistik First Nations Chief and Council, Misipawistik Cree Nation Health Authority, Grand Rapids Paramedics, Grand Rapids Nursing Station staff, Hemauer Funeral Home and all the visitors who came to the hospital and her home. The family expresses our gratitude to everyone for their kindness evidenced in thoughts, prayers, deeds and support. Donations may be directed to the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 09, 2016