FRANK, Karly

Posted: July 27th, 2023

FRANK

KARLY ANDREA FRANK, of the Blood Reserve, beloved daughter of Harley & Lois Frank, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 17, 2023 at the age of 36 years.

Karly suffered from drug addiction, and for years we feared that her addiction would claim her life. We are so very grateful that when she passed, she was at home safe with her family.

Karly was born on October 22, 1986 at St. Michael’s hospital in Lethbridge. Her parents Lois and Harley Frank loved and welcomed her into the world where she was surrounded by her families from the Kainai and Siksika Nations. Karly grew up on the Blood Reserve then the family later moved to Calgary and then Lethbridge.

Karly was an adored daughter, sister, niece, cousin, friend, and mother. She loved her family more than anything else especially her children Kassy, Tayden, Maxximus, Avy and Bella. The children love their Many Grey Horses family, their father Cassidy, Debbie, Bernard and especially Daisy.

Karly’s aunties and uncles from the Manyfingers family are Dorine, Dolores, Wallace (Sherry), Maurice, Tony, and Crystal and Barry.

Her uncles and aunties on the Frank side are Randy (Anna Joyce), Kelly (Sharon), Phillip (Sheila), Vernon (Stephanie), Brian (Mary Pat), Colin (Vanessa), Bob (Tracey) Charlene (Ed).

Karly’s best friends were her cousins Jewel Manyfingers, Trent Frank, Myles Frank, Dane Frank, Alex Soop, Casey Manyfingers, Allison Frank and Tricia Soop. She was so loved by her best good friends Tiffany Sweet Grass, Jayce Weasel Fat and Mary Creighton.

Karly was an extremely lovable child, and she was especially close to her two grandmothers Rita Frank and Dr. Helen Manyfingers. She is loved and will be missed by her brothers Mike, Ken and James. And her nephews, Riley, Thomas and Jack, and baby Elias. She had many friends on the Reserve and in Lethbridge including many who lived on the streets in Lethbridge.

Karly’s Blackfoot name is Sukitapyaki (talented woman). She attended school in Lethbridge and when she was sixteen, she attended the Gonzaga Prep high school in Spokane, Washington. Karly ultimately completed her Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Lethbridge and then continued on to become a Registered Nurse.

Karly so loved to help her many patients but after an unfortunate accident, she was injured and was then introduced to the conniving world of opiates. This relationship would dominate the rest of her life.

It is impossible to capture a persons true spirit in an obituary. To some people, Karly was seen as weak when they would see her on the streets, all they would see was her addiction and they would judge her.

What a loss for them because if they knew the true Karly they would know that she was fearless but kind. She could make anyone laugh with her one-liners. She was hilarious and funny. She would talk to anyone and when you were in her company you appreciated her.

We live in a world that seems to harden itself against addicts and because of this we fail to help them every day. Karly reached out to social workers like Shannon and Adlee and we thank them so much for your care and love for our girl. Many of you advocated for her and believed in her until the very end.

After having Avy and Bella, Karly tried harder and more relentlessly to stay sober more than anyone we have seen. She relapsed when she lost custody of her children, a loss that was unbearable.

During the past two years, her addiction brought her to places of incredible darkness, and this darkness compounded itself by increasing her pain and shame. For ten days this summer, she was home and clean from her addictions. These wonderful days were filled with swimming, movies and family dinners.

We believed, as we always did, that she would overcome her disease and make the life for herself that we knew she worked so hard for. We believed this until the moment she took her last breath. Ultimately, her addiction stalked her and stole her once again. We would pay any price to have her back with us again.

If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction, please know that every breath is a fresh start. Addiction is prevalent especially amongst our Indigenous people. But always remember that your families are praying and rooting for you. Know that we believe with all our hearts that you can and will make it. It is never too late.

Those wishing to contribute in Karly’s honour can contact Mark Brave Rock of the Sage Clan in Lethbridge at 403-915-7650.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd W, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, July 27, 2023 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.

Following the Funeral Mass, Karly will be laid to rest in the Frank family plot.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com