Obituary of Jean Backfat

Jean Backfat (In Nakaki) was born on June 27, 1925 and was called home to the Lord on Thursday, January 8, 2004. She was born and raised on the Siksika Nation. As a child Jean attended the Old Sun School and on June 11, 1945 she became the loving wife of the late Philip Backfat Sr. Jean was a dedicated mother with a warm heart that allowed her to open her home to many others. She was a very spiritual woman and was once involved with the Anglican Christian Women’s Society, where she was always giving of herself. Jean will always be remembered for her strength, patience and kind heart. Jean is survived by her children, Bernice (Ed) Wolf Child, Julia, Esther Simon, Ronald (Linda), Elsie, Clifton (Georgina), Marie (Raleigh) Weasel Head, Betty (Ron) Hewton, Elliott, Rex (Marlene) and Aldina (Patrick) Crowchild; grandchildren that she raised, Classy, Clara Hardy, Mary Sanderson, Minerva, Anthony, Cody, Eddie Wolf Child, Simonne, Gisele Smith, Andrew, Candace and Cuba; adopted children, Romeo Crowchief, Wilda Yellow Old Woman, Heather Wolf Ear, and Marjorie Yellow Horse; a brother Dennis Black Rider, two sisters, Marie Ayoungman and Myrtle Good Eagle; cousins, Frank Turning Robe, Rachel First Rider, Vera Stevens, and Grace Low Horn; Clans Blue Bird, Turning Robe, Water Chief, McMaster, Raw Eater and Woods (Stoney); fifty-three grandchildren; sixty-eight great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandson; and two special friends, Julia and Mrs. Doreen Wright. Jean was predeceased by her parents, Joseph and Katie Black Rider; three sisters, Martha, Mabel and Hazel; an aunt Albertine Low Horn; four children, Homer, Katie, Phyllis, and Phillip; a grandson Patrick Kerry Crowchild; and a great-grandson Cassius Braxton Smith Jr. Wake Services will be held at St. John the Divine Anglican Church (Siksika Nation, AB), on Tuesday, January 13, 2004 at 6:00 P.M. Funeral Services will be held at the Siksika Community Centre (Siksika Nation, AB), on Wednesday, January 14, 2004 at 11:00 A.M. Graveside Service to follow at the Canon Stocken Cemetery. To forward condolences go to www.mcinnisandholloway.com. The family would like to thank the staff at the Rockyview General Hospital ICU and Unit 73 for the care provided their loved one. In living memory of Jean Backfat, a tree to be dedicated at the Siksika Nation in 2004 by McINNIS & HOLLOWAY FUNERAL HOMES, Park Memorial Chapel, 5008 ELBOW DRIVE S.W., CALGARY, TELEPHONE: (403) 243-8200.