DEMPSEY, Pauline

Pauline Sylvia Dempsey (Gladstone)

    It is with great sadness that we say farewell to a remarkable woman. Pauline Dempsey nee Gladstone passed away on May 10, 2025 at the age of 95 years in Okotoks, Alberta. Her granddaughter Alyssa Koski was by her side as she passed peacefully with a picture of her grandfather Joe Healy (Potaina) above her and Randy Travis music playing. Pauline had a wonderfully full life, and approached everything she did with generosity, grace and humour. She could make anyone smile with her fabulous wit, and moved through life with stylish flair.

    She will be greeted in Heaven by her beloved husband Hugh Dempsey, daughter Lois Dempsey, son James Dempsey, father Senator James Gladstone, mother Janie Gladstone nee Healy, her grandfather Joe Healy (who was the kindest, gentlest man she knew, whose spirit watched over her in life), grandmother Topitkani; all her aunts and uncles, especially her aunt Suzette (who she was very close with); brothers Fred and Horace Gladstone; sisters Lucy Swite and Nora Baldwin; adopted brother Harold Healy; niece June Willms and nephew Jim Gladstone; and good friends Irene Tailfeathers, Eve Yellow Old Woman, and Jean Healy.

    She will be forever missed by her children Louise Dempsey (Joe), John Dempsey (Ronna), and Leah Koski (Shane); grandchildren Loni, Justin, Ayla, Shawna, Jessica, Alyssa, Collin, Spencer (Patricia), Sharon, Shane, Jack, and Layla Dempsey; great grandchildren Shantelle (Jacob), Aliyah, Carter, Dominic, and James; and great, great grandchild Chihiro.

She will also be missed by her nieces and nephews Caen, Jeff, Alexis, Rosie Jane, Brenda (Melvin), Rowena (Smokey), niece/godchild Bernice (Scott), nephew/godchild Neal (Shareen), Grant (Pat), Chey (Nancy), and Susan (David); her other godchildren Ilona Weasel Moccasin, Heather Foster, and Shane Breaker; as well as many great nieces and great nephews.

Pauline is survived by her sister Doreen Garvey nee Gladstone (likiinohko’mi), who turned 100 years old on March 23, 2025.

    Pauline grew up on the Blood Reserve. She went to St. Paul’s (AB) and St. Alban’s (SK) Residential Schools and the Alberta College in Edmonton. Rather than follow her sisters into nursing, she chose instead to follow her dream of being a secretary. She was the first trained secretary from the Blood reserve.

    Pauline has devoted her life to the promotion of a better understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. She organized the Calumet Indian Club so that Indigenous teenagers coming to Calgary for higher education would have a safe place to meet; was a founding member and first Treasurer of the Calgary Indian Friendship Centre; and was on the Indian Events Committee of the Calgary Exhibition and Stampede Association for over 30 years, where she helped organize an annual Indian Art Show, co-founded the bannock booth, and organized programs for the Elders. She also volunteered at the Calgary Women’s Emergency Shelter and YWCA.

    In 1966, Pauline recreated historical Blackfoot dresses from old photos of her grandmother and presented educational programs using those outfits in a fashion show. She would highlight the amazing culture of the Blackfoot people and educate on the origins of the dresses with her husband, Hugh. She became the first recipient of the Chief David Crowchild Memorial Award, presented from the City of Calgary by Premier Ralph Klein. This award acknowledged her work in bettering the relations between the Indigenous and non-Indigenous.

    Pauline lived a full and active life and always held family as her first priority. She was very interested in family genealogy and it was her mission to complete the Healy family tree, which her daughter Leah helped her achieve this year. Pauline enjoyed many hobbies throughout her life, including painting, quilting, sewing, shopping, dancing, travelling, doing puzzles, watching football, going to powwows, and listening to Randy Travis.

    She will be remembered for her kind disposition, caring heart, and her ability to find the best in everyone. She mentioned that she would like for her epitaph to read, “Never leave the house without your rouge. You always want to feel good in the moment.”

    Like her favourite flower, the prairie crocus, Pauline was resilient, beautiful, elegant, and instantly loved by anyone who met her. She will remain forever in our hearts and memories.

    A service will be held for her at 11:00 am on Saturday May 24th, 2025 at the Holy Cross Anglican Church at 2828 19 St NW, Calgary, Alberta.

    In lieu of flowers, Pauline would wish for everyone to buy something nice for themselves and think of her.