MANY CHIEF, Mary-Rose

MANY CHIEF

December 2, 1941 – March 26, 2021

Many Chief, Mary-Rose (Naa’pstsaa’kii)

Our mother and grandmother Mary-Rose Many Chief loved and lived to the fullest; much of this was fulfilled by being around her family. With broken hearts, the family sadly announces the sudden passing of our Naa’ah Mary-Rose on March 26, 2021 in Vancouver, B.C. at the age of 79 years old. She was the middle child of eight siblings, and the last member of her generation to join her heavenly family. Mary-Rose will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by all her children; and nieces and nephews whom she acknowledged as her children. She is survived by her children; Daughters: Anita Scout, Jessie Many Chief, and Son: Ruben Many Chief (Black Plume). Numerous Grandchildren; Rolanda Bull, Ruben Bull, Kelly Bull, Dwayne Bull, Roland and Chanelle Bull; Janea, Mikayla and Jaden Willie; Jeremy and Rita Louie; Nicholas Scout, Nicole (Vibert Thomas) Scout, Dawn and Kelly (Bud) Scout; Kevin, Vance, Natasha and Jessica Many Chief and Great-grandchildren; Kylen Azak-Bull; Joley Scout (Kobe), Nickayle Scout, Teslyn (Darcy) Scout, Rayden Scout, Pheonix Hazen; Tyrell Gravelle, Anastasia B.S.Horse, Loviah B.S.Horse and Tariq Thomas; Jordon and Brooklyn Scout; Great-Great Grandchildren: Zayden Big Swallow, Zaquoia and Darlynn Many Fingers. And her sister-in-law: Teresa Scout.

On the Blood Reserve, Mary-Rose was born on December 2, 1941 to her late parents Bob and Violet (Creighton) Big Sorrel Horse. She was a residential school survivor from the St. Paul Residential School on the Blood Reserve. In her early days, she lived in Alberta and her children attended school on and off the reserve. In the early 70’s, Mary-Rose started travelling with her family to British Columbia and to the states to work, she was employed in various jobs in the fruit picking industry in the Okanagan and Washington. She enjoyed picking fruits with her family and older siblings, Robert, Virginia and Oliver. Although there were times when she faced challenges and obstacles, she always made sure that her children’s needs were met and she devoted much of her time caring for them. Mary-Rose moved to Vancouver, B.C. in 1978 and often travelled throughout B.C. and Washington to work during fruit picking season. Our Naa’ah loved her travelling, especially coming home to visit with relatives and friends. Naa’ah kept a strong connection with her family, while living in Vancouver, B.C. One of her highlights of the summer was attending the Kainai Indian Days to see relatives and friends, and she always made sure she visits all her family before she leaves. Mary-Rose loved travelling with her family to powwows, family events and camping, and often enjoyed just going for a drive and sightseeing. She had a close relationship with her children and grand-children, especially her late grandson Kevin whom she raised as her own son and with whom she had a very close and special bond with. Naa’ah had a wonderful love for life, and its easy to see why her family loved spending time with her. She would help anyone in need and always made time for everyone, especially for her grand-children and great-grandchildren. Her biggest life achievements were her grand-children and great-grandchildren. She could see the goodness in everyone, and she was always happy to share experiences and wisdom from her own insights on life. She maintained her traditional old ways, beliefs and values and spoke her Blackfoot language fluently.

Mary-Rose is survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins, she will be sadly missed by her family, cousins and friends. “Thank You Naa’ah” for being there for us and for your support and unconditional love. O’Creator, thank you for blessing us with our mother, bless Naa’ah with the spirit of love and a blessed and beautiful journey into the Spirit World.

Mary-Rose was predeceased by her three children and one grandchild, our mother will be greeted in the heavenly realm by her precious children: LeeAnn (in infancy), Kelly – passed in 1989, Sandra Many Chiefs in 2016 and grandson Kevin Many Chiefs in 2017. Predeceased by parents; Bob & Violet (Creighton) Big Sorrel Horse; Maternal grandparents: Percy & Jessie (Tailfeathers) Creighton; Paternal grandparent: Mr. & Mrs. William Big Sorrel Horse; Brothers: Robert B.S.H. & Dora (Many Chief), Oliver B.S.H. & Lita (Oka); Percy B.S.H. & Lillian (ATM) and Kenyon Creighton; Sister: Florence B.S.H.; Lily Munoz, Maureena Rides at the Door and Nora Scout, and numerous nieces and nephews and relatives.

Mary-Rose comes from a large family and had many relatives: Big Sorrel Horse, Creighton, Eagle Bear, Knife, First Chargers, Davis, Red Crow, Tailfeathers, Meguires, Raw Eater, Brass, Stimsons. (The family apologizes if we miss any names.)

A Visitation will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Friday, April 23rd from 5:00 to 8:00 pm. Another viewing will take place on Saturday, April 24th from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm with a Family Service to follow at 12:00 pm. (Due to COVID-19 – A Total of 20 people will be allowed in the building.)

To send a condolence or Watch the Funeral please visit www.legacyfuneralhome.ca