MARGARET (MARGEURITE) HEAD

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MARGARET (MARGEURITE) HEAD May 15, 1917 - May 17, 2004 Margaret Head of Cranberry Portage, MB, our Mother, Grandmother, Auntie passed on to the spirit world surrounded by her family at Victoria Hospital in Winnipeg on May 17, 2004 at the age of 87. Mom was born on May 15, 1917 in The Pas, MB. She spent her early years on the trap line with her parents Harriet and Tom Wyckstandt and her grandfather Matthew Buck and grandmother Jeannie (who made the best rabbit skin blankets) in the Reed Lake, Nelson House, Pine Root and The Pas area. Mom was a strong and proud Metis woman that lived her 87 years in Cranberry Portage, The Pas, and Flin Flon areas. She had a great love for her family and friends; this led to many of her lifes accomplishments. Margaret was a pioneer for her time, being the First Aboriginal Cree woman who broadcasted in Northern Manitoba on CBC Radio and was very instrumental in establishing the first Cree Crisis Line in The Pas. Mom was a founding Board Member of Rosaire House, The Pas. Her involvement in numerous organizations throughout the years demonstrated her strong commitment to the growth of the Aboriginal Community. She was one of the founding board members of Native Communications Inc. and continued her membership for 19 years. One of her most recent accomplishments was to be a member and elder of the West Broadway Aboriginal Resident Group and a member of Mothers of Red Nations. Margarets belief in the AA program gave her willingness to assist others in finding the path of sobriety. In the 1960s and 70s she travelled to numerous northern communities to pass the message of AA and the 12 Step program in the Cree language. Margaret was predeceased by her husband Alfred (Curly) Head (1985), and daughter Irma Head (1998). She is survived by her children, Pat (Orval) of Ontario, Rose Wright of Ontario, Alfie Head Jr. (Maxine) of Vernon, BC, Phil Gagne (Sandy) of Thompson, MB, Lilyann Benoit (Terry Kumpula) of BC, Leona Head of BC, Gwen Cook of Winnipeg and Margaret Marin (daughter-granddaughter) of Winnipeg. Her 32 grandchildren, 61 great-grandchildren, 29 great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends will also sadly miss her. This wonderful woman was the strength and heart of our family. She believed in kindness and love. She opened her heart and was our home. Her legacy survives in the hearts of her family. Hemaur Funeral Homes of The Pas is entrusted with the services. Funeral service will be held in Cranberry Portage, at the Frontier Collegiate Gym at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 22, with a Catholic Service. Followed separately by a Traditional Aboriginal honouring and interment. For you, mother, we do our best, Reminiscing of how much we love you, From all your family dearest. By mentioning your kindness Your warm and loving touch And everything about you That means so very much. Your children always came first With that you showed great delight You helped us through the worst By showing us Gods light. We thank God for giving Us a dear mother That overlooked our faults For there is no other That loved us for what we were. We love to give you flowers Roses red, and violets blue Were thankful for the happy hours Weve known because of you. Youve taught us many lessons Through your patience and tenderness We pray that God may grant blessings For your life on earth, and also eternal happiness. Pallbearers will be grandsons, Irvin Head, Alex Moodie, Curtis Head, Vince Langan, Roland Chabot and Rudi Pawylychn; great-grandson Robbie Marin; and granddaughter Heather Gagne. Ushers will be grandson Jason Cook; and great-grandsons, Ian Church and Jeremy Head.

As published in Winnipeg Free Press on May 22, 2004