MARTHA CONSTANT

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MARTHA CONSTANT Martha Constant was born Sunday, August 15, 1915 on the south side of the Saskatchewan River in what is today called Devon Park, The Pas, Man. Martha was baptized in the little church at Devon Park. Martha lived all of her life on the Opaskwayak Cree Nation with the exception of a few years, in her early youth, when she lived at Norway House, Man. Martha was united in marriage Monday, July 25, 1932 to Antoine Constant and together they had 17 children. Martha loved and cherished her family. Martha was appointed to the Opaskwayak Cree Nation Council of Elders in October of 1997. She was also an active member of the Willing Workers of the Church of Messiah since 1937. Martha passed away peacefully with her family at her side Saturday, April 8, 2000 at St. Anthonys Hospital, The Pas, at the age of 84 years. She is survived by her children, Matilda (George), Norman (Betsy), Ernie (Ingar), Sylvia (Nelson), Baldy (Nellie), Muriel (Joe), Cheap (Patti), Mouse (Sue), Shirley, Gladys (Gabe) and Elaine; adopted son James (Alberta) Hemauer; 89 grandchildren; 205 great-grandchildren; 11 great great-grandchildren; daughters-in-law, Louisa and Lydia; sister Margaret Head; brother-in-law William Head; sisters-in-law, Barbara Constant, Myrtle Constant, Margaret Constant, Edna Constant, Camelia Constant and Hilda Gibba; many nieces and nephews; special friend Agnes Ross and many other relatives and friends. Martha was predeceased by her husband Antoine; mother Catherine Wesley; step-father Alex Wesley; sons, Charles, Leo, Donald and Ronald; daughters, Julia, Florence and Doris; son-in-law William Frances Head; brother William (Willie Whiskers) Wesley; sister Bella Lathlin; brothers-in-law, Lazarus Constant, Jake Constant, Isiah Constant, Anthony Constant, Charles Constant, Joe Azure, William Matthew Lathlin; sisters-in-law, Helen Jane (Miles) Young, Clara (Robert) Burns, Maria Jane Constant, Charlotte Constant; cousin Margaret McKenzie and grandchildren, Mary Ann Head, Harvey (Eleanor) Brightnose, Russell Dale Brightnose, Valerie Theresa Brightnose and Virginia Lorraine Brightnose. A Wake Service was held Monday, April 10 and Tuesday, April 11, 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Messiah, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, Man. The funeral service was held Wednesday, April 12, 11:00 a.m. at the Church of Messiah, OCN with Ven. Grahme Spear, Rev. Priscilla Constant, Rev. Hagar Head, and Rev. Antoine Lathlin presiding. Following the interment prayers at Emmanuel Cemetery, Opaskwayak Cree Nation, a reception was held at the Martha Constant Parish Hall. Active pallbearers were Cheap Constant, Neil Young, Nelson James, Melvin Constant, Kojak Constant, Tony Constant, Hillard Brightnose and Omar Constant. Escorts were Ashton Constant, Avery Constant, Cody Constant, Warren McKay, Victor Campbell, Graham Constant, Richard Constant, and Justin Head. Honour Guard was All of the Church of Messiah Willing Workers. Hemauer Funeral Home, The Pas were in care of arrangements. 623-3261.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on Apr 19, 2000