BIG THROAT, Elizabeth

BIG THROAT

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, ELIZABETH NELLIE BIG THROAT (nee Healy), beloved wife of the late Horace Big Throat, at St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre on Tuesday, January 22, 2019 at the age of 89 years, surrounded by family.

Mom will be lovingly remembered by her children: son, Henry (Roxanne); daughters, Diane, Linda (Darryl), Nora (Roy), Betty, Pam (Colin), Wanda, and Doris (Philip); sister, Clara Russell; 48 grandchildren, 108 great grandchildren, 40 great great grandchildren; especially those grandchildren and great grandchildren she raised as her own: Cameron, Cohen, Monroe, Simone, Ashley, Mackenzie, Justin, Emma; her niece Delia, as well as numerous other nieces and nephews.

Elizabeth was born on September 6, 1929 to James and Eulalia (nee Melting Tallow) Healy. She received her education at both St. Paul’s and St. Mary’s residential schools on the Blood Reserve. Her parents arranged her marriage to Horace Big Throat and together they were blessed with ten children. They resided in lower Standoff, but spent many summers in the eastern part of the reserve where they ranched.

Mom was an excellent seamstress and cook. She was the heart of the home, and always made sure her family was fed, while dad provided for her and their family; either through farming, ranching, or other means. Mom made sure her young children had a hearty breakfast before they went to school, and prepared their lunch as well. She loved to sew, and was quite skilled at it; she could replicate a shirt from the Sears catalog and you wouldn’t know the difference. She didn’t travel as often as dad, but one time in particular, mom and dad travelled to Pendleton, Oregon with John Healy for the Round Up. At the time Henry and Tiny were doing seasonal work in the U.S., when they came across dad’s truck parked beside the road near Pendleton – they were quite surprised to discover their parents having a picnic right there on the side of the road! As her family grew, and mom and dad became grandparents, she continued to live her life taking care of the family. Even after dad’s passing, we always felt her love for us whether we were near or far.

Mom was affectionately known as “granny” to her grandchildren, and sometimes “granny dynamite” for her strength. She instilled in us the importance of home and family; she loved visiting with family and friends. Mom was a devout Catholic, and always held her rosaries close, in quiet meditation as she prayed for us all. She was a gentle, kind, and humble woman. Mom always encouraged her grandchildren to pursue their education, career, or whatever made them happy. She made each and every one of them feel like they were the most special person to her; that was her way. Mom had a fondness for chocolate and other sweets, she loved to read celebrity magazines, listen to classic country music; especially George Jones, and her favorite daytime show was Young and the Restless. Everyone loved to spoil her and surrounded her with beautiful things, such as trinkets and framed photos. She will be greatly missed by all who loved her.

Mom was predeceased by her parents, James and Eulalia Healy; her husband, Horace Big Throat; sons: Eugene “Tiny” Big Throat and Melvin Big Throat; sisters: Flora Day Rider (nee Healy) and Daisy (Philip) Aberdeen; and several grandchildren, including: Andrew “Buffy” Twigg, Raechelle “Charly” Big Throat, Carl Twigg, and Russell Big Throat.

A special thank you Dr. Debbie Brewer, St. Michael’s Palliative Care Centre, and Renate Good Striker for their wonderful care and support.

A Wake Service will be at the White Calf Hall, Standoff on Tuesday, January 29th from 7:00 – 11:00 p.m.

The Funeral Mass will be at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Wednesday, January 30th at 11:00 am. Interment in St. Catherine’s Cemetery.

Condolences may be sent to: www.legacyfuneralhome.ca