REV. MARIA ALICE REDHEAD

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REV. MARIA ALICE REDHEAD (nee BEARDY) Peacefully on August 17, 2016, with her beloved family by her side, Maria entered the world of eternal rest. Maria was born on August 6, 1930 on the Fox Lake trapline to Joseph and Dorcas Beardy. She was raised alongside her siblings with whom she was very close. She adored her parents and often spoke of losing her father way too soon. From a very young age, her parents taught her the traditional way of life and how to live off the land. She met her husband and love of her life, Jonathan, in Gillam, MB when she was 16 years old. They married on October 13, 1947 in a traditional ceremony. In her early years, she stayed home and raised her children. Jonathan worked for the Canadian National Railway (as it was then) and was stationed in Herchmer, a small community on the bay line, for many years. He eventually transferred to Churchill where they remained until all their children left home. Maria worked at the Churchill Health Centre for many years in various capacities. She was a very hard worker who put her all into whatever she did. It wasn't until her retirement years that she pursued her passion and calling. Both Jonathan and Maria were devoted to the Anglican Church and were very active lay readers. Maria was ordained a Minister in the Anglican Church by Bishop David Ashdown on August 23, 1995. She ministered in the church in Bird, Thompson and also travelled to the various Northern First Nations to perform services when requested. One of her other passions included baking and cooking. She loved sharing the fruits of her labour with her children and anyone who entered her home. She had a heart of gold and did not like to see others go without. Even if it meant that she would have to. She had a gentle calmness about her that disarmed those who came to her for counsel. She also had a wonderful sense of humour. Maria was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Dorcas Beardy; brothers, Johnson and Daniel Beardy; sisters, Aggie Beardy, Beatrice Wavey and Louise Mayham; brothers-in-law, Johnson Redhead, John George Redhead and George Redhead; sister-in-law Denise Beardy; daughters, Emerine Spence and Betty Redhead; and grandchildren, David Outchikat, Perly Spence and Luanne Redhead. Left to mourn her passing is her husband of 68 years, Jonathan; children, Melinda Lavallee (Johnny), Roy, James (Agnes), Johnny (Evelyn Spence), Alice, Marilyn Davignon (Jean), Jacqueline Fitzpatrick (Louis) and Doreen (John Spence); and sister-in-law Elizabeth Spence. She also leaves behind 22 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and God children. Wake services were held on August 20 and 21 from 7:00 to 10:00 p.m. The funeral took place on Monday, August 22 at 1:00 p.m. at the Anglican Church in Thompson, Manitoba. Jonathan and his family would like to thank the following: all those who attended the services, assisted with the services and luncheon, sent notes of condolences and flowers; Fox Lake Cree Nation; The Boardman funeral home for taking care of all of the arrangements related to the services; Reverends, Jean Ouskan and Larry Beardy for attending when requested by the family to perform prayers and administer holy communion; and Bishop Ashdown for officiating the funeral services, along with all of the other Ministers that assisted. The family would also like to extend a heartfelt appreciation to the staff at the Northern Spirit Manor for the wonderful care they provided to Maria and the care they continue to provide to Jonathan.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Aug 27, 2016