Obituary of Joan Pascoe Big Plume Nàk’ús Tamiyists`iłi

NÀK’ÚS TAMIYISTS`IŁI

June 19, 1941 - Tsuut’ina Alberta

May 11, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

It is with great sadness that the family of Late Chief Dick and Lucy Big Plume announces the loss of Gloria Joan, who was our dear mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, auntie, and sister of the Tsuut’ina Nation. Joan passed away peacefully at the South Health Campus in Calgary on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at the age of 82 years.

Joan was born and raised on the Tsuut’ina Nation and attended the St. Mary’s Girls school and the Victorian Order of Nurses (VON). After completing her nursing training, she then moved to Edmonton, AB, for six years with her three young children to work at the Camsell Hospital. Joan continued her nursing at Calgary Holy Cross Hospital and the Roper Hull Home. She also provided home care and palliative care for the Tsuut’ina Nation Elders. From the early 70’s to the 90’s, she then worked in the Tsuut’ina Daycare Center and the Tsuut’ina Spirit Healing Lodge. Through all her years of working, she remained a loving mother to her children and grandchildren. Joan enjoyed cooking and started up her own catering business. She was known for her favourite sandwich stand with the Wolf’s Flat workers. Joan was a very kind and loving mother and auntie to all who knew her. She always had her door open to anyone who needed a place to eat or sleep.

In 1973, she met her best friend Gordon Pascoe and married in 1975; it was at that time she moved into the city of Calgary with her five children, where they opened their home to become foster parents.

Joan had a strong belief in her spirituality and traditional ways as a Tsuut’ina woman. She was raised within the Catholic faith and traditional beliefs. She ensured that her children were knowledgeable in both ways of life. 

Joan will be remembered and missed dearly by her loving children, Lori Big Plume, Cheryl Big Plume, Joseph (Cheryl) Big Plume, Minor Chief Paula (Jesse Starlight) Big Plume, Thomas (Sheena) Pascoe-Big Plume; and her godson Richard Bish-Big Plume.

Her nieces and nephews that she helped raise, Rose (Tony) Parson, Murray (Lindsay) Parson, Richard Big Plume, Shannon (Aaron) Daniels, Shanel, Jewlee, Connie Beebe, and her adopted children, Kerry Redwood, Leslie (Jason) Kucey, Fanny (Len) Olds, and Myra Olds.

Her grandchildren that she cherished, Ashley (Richard), Sunshine, Sootah (Hope), Kathleen, Nathanial, Allison, “T” Thalia and Sylis Big Plume, Kevin, Derrick, Crystal, Jeanine Starlight, Shyanne, Junior, Josh, Crystal, Randy, Shea, Starr Parsons, Kaylee, Farrow and Colorado Daniels, Lacy Bish, Cevanna Carlson, Dayna, Leah and Jordan Big Plume; great-grandchildren, Dreden, Briseis, Joe, Lexie, Lawrence, Madison, Brodi, Amari, Luna, Hayley, Devyn, Tayus, Malone, Keyonna, Baby Ash, Tamika, and Empriss. She was a special aunt to all her nieces and nephews.

Her brother Chief Roy Whitney and wife Jan; sisters, Faye Big Plume, Carol Gottfriedson, Connie Big Plume, Regena Crowchild (Sidney) Audrey Pipestem, Vicky Jacobs; sisters-in-law, Darlene Big Plume, Judy Seaton, and Flora Whitney.

Joan was predeceased by her parents, Chief Dick and Lucy Big Plume; her children, Jeremy Wayne Big Plume, Nadine Johnson, Charmaine Heavyrunner, and Floyd McKay; sisters, Gail Parsons and Lottie Devine; brothers, Jacko Big Plume, Jeremy Big Plume, Austin Big Plume, Robert Dodginghorse, Benny Big Plume, Lee and Larry Whitney; grandchildren, Sky Dove Big Plume-Mistaken Chief, Frank Big Plume, Jeremiah Heavyrunner, and Taron Heavyrunner; niece Vivian Dodginghorse, sons-in-law, Robbie, Kenny, and Rick; sisters-in-law, Theresa Whitney, Pat Whitney, Angeline Dodginghorse, and Vera Big Plume; brothers-in-law, Big Jim Caulder and Bob Gottfriedson; uncle Harold Crowchild, Helen Meguinis, and Arthur and Lottie Onespot.  

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nurses in the South Health Campus Hospital and Cheyanna Casey, Indigenous Liaison, Tsuut’ina Homecare staff and Focus On Caring nurses, grandson Nate Big Plume, and everyone else who sent prayers and love. We appreciate your support.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Spirit Catholic Church (10827 – 24th Street S.W., Calgary, AB) on Wednesday, May 15, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. Graveside Service to follow at Tsuut'ina Cemetery. Reception to follow in the Hospitality Centre at Bullhead Community Hall (114 Bullhead Road, Tsuut'ina Nation, AB).

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

In living memory of Gloria Pascoe Big Plume, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Park Memorial, 5008 Elbow Drive SW, Calgary, AB T2S 2L5, Telephone: 403-243-8200.