Obituary of Mary St. Pierre

St. Pierre - Mrs. Mary St. Pierre passed away September 11th 2009 at the Yorkton District Nursing Home, south unit at the young age of 99 years. Mary Vitaline St. Pierre was born April 17th 1910, at Crooked Lake Saskatchewan, daughter of Alexander and Adele (nee Allary) Flamont. On August 11, 1930 Mary was united in marriage to Alexander St. Pierre at The Mission Church in Crooked Lake. They were blessed with four daughters and four sons. She was a well respected Michif speaker in the Métis community, a role model who led by example; Mary, like her father was a devoted catholic and could be heard praying with her rosary every night and often lead the rosary at funerals, her home and cupboard were open to all those in need, she was a humble and gentle person whose love for children was legendary. She always remembered with fondness her youth spent 'in the valley' and the life she led while living in Crescent Lake. The hard work she shared with her husband, the dances, gardening, hunting, visiting, and serving as a midwife in over 50 births. In 1980 Mary and Alexander celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary, that same year Alexander purchased for Mary a home in Yorkton. In 1981 Mary received the 'Woman of the Year' Award from the Métis Women of Saskatchewan. In 1985 Mary was awarded one of the Top Ten Women of the Year from Native Women of Saskatchewan. In 2003 she received the Presidents' Recognition Award from the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan. In 2005 Mary was awarded the Order of Gabriel Dumont Outstanding Métis Elder. Mary is well known for wanting 'some tobacco', a cup of tea, playing cards, bingo, cross words, her love for travelling, hugs, kisses and her gracious gratitude. Grandma ate her 8 o'clock lunch and went to sleep, to be joyfully reunited with her husband Alexander and the many loved ones waiting for her. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband Alexander on Dec. 15, 1982, her brothers John, Norman, Albert, Frank, Arthur, and her sisters Zelda, Flora and Clementine, her daughters Laura Kerr and Stella Wapemoose; daughters-in-law, Edna and Alice St. Pierre as well as several grandchildren, in-laws and friends. She leaves to celebrate her life and cherish her memory; Children Lucy (John) LaFontaine, Edwin (Harriet) St. Pierre, Florence (Roger) Trigear, Lawrence St. Pierre, Gerald (Bertha) St. Pierre, Frank St. Pierre, numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, and great-great-great grandson Ashdon Dubois; two sisters Rose Pelletier & Dora Bassingthwaite as well as numerous God-children, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. "As long as we get along good, the whole bunch of us, that's the main thing" quoted by Mary St. Pierre June 9th 2008. Prayer Vigil Service was held on Tuesday, September 15th at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church, Yorkton. A Traditional Wake followed at Métis Nation of SK Centre in Yorkton. A eulogy was conveyed by Robert LaFontaine. The Funeral Mass was held on September 16th at St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church, Yorkton with Reverend Father Basil Chomos as the Celebrant. Members of the parish choir led in the singing of the hymns, Amazing Grace, Psalm 71, I Will Never Forget You, On Eagle's Wings, Song of The Angels, Glory and Praise to Our God. Music for the services was provided by Sandra Archer (violinist), Katherine Flaman (Vigil) and Pam Yaremko (Mass). The cross bearer was Justin St. Pierre and the lectors were Nola St. Pierre, Rene St. Pierre and Michelle Kennedy. Honourary bearers were Chief Barry Kennedy, Myles Pelletier, Clarence Bellegarde, Vernon Wapemoose, Dennis Spreacker, Harold St. Pierre and "All those who shared in Mary's life". The interment followed in the Yorkton City Cemetery with Vaughn LaFontaine, Pernell St. Pierre, Gerard St. Pierre, Robert St. Pierre, Lorne St. Pierre and Kendan Kennedy serving as the casket bearers. Funeral arrangements were in care of Bailey's Funeral Home. Service Information Wednesday, September 16th, 2009 1:00pm, St. Gerard's Roman Catholic Church Interment Details Yorkton City Cemetery