BRUISED HEAD Shirley

Shirley Ann Scott-Bruised Head (Sacred Hill Woman “Naatoyiitomakii”) of the Piikani Nation passed away after a lengthy illness on November 17, 2012, at the age of 61 years. Shirley and her twin sister Barbara were born on the Peigan reserve February 19, 1951 to Irene and Joe Scott. Shirley was raised on a ranch with her parents and siblings, for a number of years. Unfortunately, after the passing of both her parents, the children were separated. Shirley and Barbara were sent to Sacred Heart Boarding School for two years, and then went to live with their uncle Riel in Siksika for the next four years. Thereafter, they resided in Edmonton and attended St. Joseph Composite High School. Over the next few years, she would meet the love of her life, Norbert Bruised Head on the Blood Reserve. They were married from 1968-1981 and together would be blessed with three children, Clyde, Ian and Leslie. She supported her husband Norbert with his rodeo career throughout the United States and Canada.
Shirley worked as a Native Counselor in the city of Lethbridge for Native Counseling Services, and then she was hired as an Education Officer at the Head Smashed-In Buffalo Jump Interpretive Centre. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts and Science degree with a major in English from the University of Lethbridge.
Shirley was very proud of her native spirituality, but also respected all other beliefs. She was actively involved with sacred ceremonies, a pipe owner herself, she was proud to assist with the beaver bundle ceremony as well. She later obtained her Master’s in Education Administration, and was published in many publications too numerous to mention.
She was a devout wife and mother and supported her family whole heartedly. Shirley could be found at every function that her children and grandchildren were involved in, from hockey, rodeo, ballet, basketball, volleyball, track and field, lacrosse, rugby, ringette, baseball and football.
Shirley will forever be remembered by her children; Clyde (Sonny) Bruised Head (Jolene); Ian Bruised Head (Samantha); Rollanda, Victoria (Jeremiah); her grandchildren Riel, Sunny-Dawn, Clyde Jr, Alisa, Tennessee, Leslie Elizabeth, Kariya, Kailey-Dawn, Pepper, Raine, Quidel, Tori, Tre, and Tailyn; her twin sister Barbara (Joe), Helen, Wesley (Lana), Kerry (Lynette) Charlie, Casey (Lydia), George Jr.(Toni) and Husky (Linda), as well as numerous nieces, nephews and their families. Shirley was predeceased by her parents Irene and Joe Scott, her daughter Leslie-Dawn, sisters Margaret, Dorothy and two nephews; her brother Jesse; her aunt Cecilia; sister in-law Veronica; niece Elizabeth, great niece Amanda Joy, and great nephew Stephen Joseph. The families wishes to apologize for any names we didn’t mention, but there are too many people to mention.
Shirley displayed strength, determination, patience, humbleness, modesty and humor despite having experienced many tragedies and illness during her lifetime. It was Shirley’s request that she be cremated and the family has respected her wishes. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.
The Celebration of Shirley’s life will begin and take place on Wednesday, November 21, beginning at 4:00-11:00P.M., for viewing at EDEN’S FUNERAL HOME, 2424-5th Ave., Fort Macleod, AB. The Funeral Service will commence on Friday, November 23, 2012 at 1:00P.M., at the PIIKANI COMMUNITY HALL, Brocket, AB, with a meal to follow.
Eden’s Funeral Home and Crematorium
2424 – 5 Avenue
Fort Macleod, AB
Phone: 403-553-3772
Email: condolences@edensfuneralhome.com
www.edensfuneralhome.com