CHIEF CALF, Lena

Naatowa’Paissapii’Yaaki (Sacred Vision Woman) Lena Chief Calf From Pott’sta’ki’ksi (Tea Drinking Clan) June 28, 1934 – June 15, 2026 It is with heavy hearts we announce the passing of our dear mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, auntie, cousin and friend.
Naatowa’Paissapii’Yaaki was the youngest child of Ksik’Konista (White Buffalo Calf) Charles (Charlie) Good Rider and Staah’tsi’nahm’ska’ki (Thunder Pipe Woman Under Sky) Martha (Knife) Good Rider.
Her siblings were Emil (Sundance) Good Rider, Annette (Paul) Russell, Eva (Buster) Mills, Annie (Ben) Brewer, Joe Wolf Child, Sam (Elizabeth) Wolf Child, Leo (Sarah) Wolf Child, Annie (Jim) Shot Both Sides Sr., Kate Sakoo (Mike) Healy.
When Ksik’Konista and Staah’tsi’nahm’ska’ki married they had three children; Isabel (Allen) Spear Chief, an infant son who died at birth and then our mom, Naatowa’Paissapii’Yaaki. She was the baby of her siblings.
Mom attended residential school at St. Mary’s Indian Residential, Blood Reserve, Alberta. She left school to tend to her ailing mother, Martha Staah’tsi’nahm’ska’ki.
Naatowa’Paissapii’Yaaki (Lena) and Oonis’sta’na (Chief Calf) Tom Chief Calf married in 1954. Together they had nine children; Catherine (Roger) Hunt, Avelina (William) Long Time Squirrel, Dennis (Mary) Chief Calf, Delphine (Randy) Chalmers (both deceased), Danny (Janita) Chief Calf, Thomas (Anne, deceased) Chief Calf, Mervin (Carmelita) Chief Calf, John Chief Calf and Calvert (April) Chief Calf.
Along with their children, Naatowa’Paissapii’Yaaki has 19 grandchildren, 39 great grandchildren and 9 great-great grandchildren. Another grandchild is also expected soon.
Our Dad, Oonis’sta’na/Tom Chief Calf passed away on March 7, 1980. Mom was left to raise her children on her own.
Mom was employed as a custodian with Blood Tribe Administration in Standoff, Alberta for over 10 years. Her coworkers were her work family. Mom re-acquainted with her nieces Mildred (John) Chief Moon and Joan (Morton) Eagle Speaker whom she worked with as custodians. Mom developed new friendships with her other coworkers Peggy Eagle Speaker and Beatrice Big Sorrel Horse.
Mom learned to crochet from Joan Eagle Speaker. She enjoyed her new skill making baby bonnets, baby booties, sweaters, baby blankets and throws. When Mom retired she started her own arts and crafts business. She had unique designs for her beadwork for earrings, necklaces, hand/ring bracelets, along with her crochet items. When Mom knew there was going to be a new addition to the family, she would make a set of baby bonnet, booties, sweater and baby blanket for the baby (now keepsakes!!) Mom had a special place at the BTA foyer for her display of items for sale She did this every payday and usually sells everything! Other vendors always looked after Mom making sure she had food/water.
Mom was also an avid Elvis Presley fan. She travelled to Graceland, Memphis, Tennessee, USA three times, taking her adult children with her. Her son Danny was always the driver on these trips. The trip was always by vehicle as Mom never wanted to ride an airplane.
She travelled to Las Vegas as well and went to Pow Wows in both Montana and Alberta. She loved Pow Wow music, country/western music and of course Elvis’ songs. Siblings that didn’t make these trips received intricate gifts from Mom’s trips. Her favorite pastime was playing bingo. That is where she met her friends, family and new acquaintances. If we wanted to meet up with mom you’d find her at bingo.
Naatowa’Paissapii’Yaaki lived a full life. She faced her challenges with perseverance, patience and love. Her commitment to her children was foremost in her life. She raised and influenced her grandchildren with the same determination she had in her life.
We would like to thank extended family that came to be with us through Mom’s final days.
We, her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, extended families thank everyone for your support at this time. We, her family will miss her immensely, but we know she’s with family now and no longer in pain. We have been blessed to have had her in our lives for this length of time.
To send condolences, please visit www.generationsfh.ca