Obituary of Yvonne Stimson (Duudun)

June 21, 1945 – Siksika, Alberta

February 3, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that we announce the sudden passing of our dear Yvonne Stimson, on Saturday, February 3, 2024, in Mohkinstsis, Calgary, AB, at the age of 78 years.

Yvonne was born at the Indian Hospital on the Siksika Nation on June 21, 1945. She was the second daughter of Adrian Stimson (Heavy Shield) and Peggy Stimson (nee Bear Chief).

Yvonne’s partner in life was Johnny Wilfred Young and together they had five children, Norton, Curtis, Wilfred, Adrianne, and Jason. They resided in the community known as Dog Patch on the Siksika Nation, not too far from Happy Valley. Yvonne lived close to her familial home all her life. She attended Old Sun Residential School and was an avid sports participant, her favourite being track and field.

Yvonne was an avid bingo player, and she was a devoted hockey and baseball mom; always to be seen in the bleachers, cheering on her kin and Siksika teams. She loved powwows and could always be spotted with her sister Elizabeth, meeting and greeting all her dear friends.

Yvonne traveled a bit in her life to Crow Fair, Toronto, and Edmonton. Her most favorite place to visit was with her dear friend Josie Running Rabbit, was Las Vegas, Nevada. It’s been said that they were the showgirls!

Yvonne was a quiet, humble person who had a big heart for her family and friends. She loved hanging out with the elders and was a regular participant in many of their events and outings, especially the Calgary Stampede.

Yvonne is predeceased by her parents Adrian and Peggy; her sisters Dorothy Stimson, and Ruby (Fred) Doore; and brother Chief Adrian Stimson; her children Norton and Wilfred; nephews Faron Big Old Man and Karl Doore; nieces Loretta Doore, Janice Doore, and Charlene Doore; as well as her aunties Maggie (John) Spotted Eagle and Amy (Charlie) Smith.

Yvonne is survived by her sister Elizabeth Stimson and sister-in-law Lesley Stimson and Rachel Many Heads and family; brother-in-law, Clifford (Janice) Many Heads and family; her children Curtis Stimson, Adrianne (Tim Schwartz) Stimson, and Jason (Pamela) Stimson; her nieces and nephews, Myra Royal, Robin Stimson, Adrian Stimson Jr. (Ian (Happy) Grove), Keon Doore (Erica Melting Tallow), Merlin Doore (Stacey Stevens); her grandchildren, Keith (Melissa) Running Rabbit, Chrisanne Stimson (Paul Wolf Leg), Auriel Brass (Clifton Calf Child), Andrew Stimson-Schwartz, Alan Stimson-Schwartz, and Selena Cardinal; and her great-grandchildren, Angsley Running Rabbit, Matthew Calf, Caysen Calf Child Brass, Asher Calf Child Brass, Brennen Wolf Leg, Koshan Cardinal, and Natalia Cardinal.

Yvonne had many friends. Her dearest she considered her sisters, Grace Young, June Spotted Eagle, Josie Running Rabbit, Daisy Ferris Smith, Donna Little Light, Julia Backfat, and so many more.

We wish to apologize to anyone that we may have missed in this difficult time.

The family would like to thank everyone who reached out to share their condolences and memories of Yvonne. We would also like to acknowledge Home Care for their wonderful service and care. As well, we would also like to thank the medical staff at the Peter Lougheed, Unit 52. Yvonne’s wishes were that we celebrate her life with a smile and a few laughs; she loved being silly, especially in the telling of the many wonderful Blackfoot stories, new and old.

Kaakiitamatssin Aspinakos – I’ll see you tomorrow.

Those wishing to pay their respects may do so at Gordon Yellow Fly Memorial Arbour (Wheatland County, AB T0J 1N0) on Friday, February 9, 2024, from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Funeral Services will be held at Gordon Yellow Fly Memorial Arbour (Wheatland County, AB T0J 1N0), on Saturday, February 10, 2024, with a Visitation from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and the service starting at 11:00 a.m. Graveside service to follow at Paul Little Walker Cemetery. A reception will then take place at Gordon Yellow Fly Memorial Arbour.

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Yvonne’s family here.

In living memory of Yvonne Stimson, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Eastside, 5388 Memorial Drive NE, Calgary, AB T2A 3V9, Telephone: 403-248-8585.