Obituary of Madeline Grace Labelle

January 25, 1947 – Morley, Alberta

August 4, 2024 – Calgary, Alberta

Madeline Labelle, affectionately known as Mickey, beloved mother, sister, auntie, grandmother, and great-grandmother, was gently called home by the Creator on Sunday, August 4, 2024, at the age of 77 years. She passed peacefully, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on January 25, 1947, in Morley, AB, Madeline lived a life full of love, resilience, and dedication.

She is survived by her cherished children: daughter Tiona, sons, Lonnie and Monte; a sister she raised as her own Pam (Keon), grandchildren she raised as her own, Tierra Snow (Eli) and Trendon Labelle; daughters-in-law, Cheryle and Garradine; brothers, Rudy and Garnet (Miranda); sisters, Myra, Muriel, Laura (Louie), Germaine, Joyleen (Hank), and Bernadine (Lyndon); along with 27 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and friends from Hobbema, T’suuTina, Thunderchild, Poundmaker, Alkali Lake, and beyond.

A survivor of residential school, Madeline's early education took her from Morley to Calgary. She earned a diploma in social work from Mount Royal College and dedicated her career to working with children and families, eventually returning to work at Morley Community School. Madeline's athleticism shone in her youth, excelling in track and field, baseball, and even barrel racing as one of the first Stoney women to compete in the sport. She loved to attend hockey games, rodeos and powwows.

As the matriarch of her family, Madeline was deeply rooted in her cultural values and traditions. A fluent Stoney Nakoda speaker, she championed the preservation of her heritage and was a wellspring of knowledge on Stoney traditions. Taught by her maternal grandmother, Jesse Lefthand Labelle, Madeline mastered the art of making dry meat and freely shared her skills with anyone eager to learn. Her frybread and traditional foods were known to be the best. Her cooking and feasts will be greatly missed.

Madeline was predeceased by her parents, Caroline Labelle and Chief William McLean; her sons, Emmett, Cody Jr., Brennan, and Ace; paternal grandparents, George (Walking Buffalo “Tatanga Mani”) and Flora McLean; maternal grandparents, Alec and Jesse Labelle; great-grandparents, Hector Crawler, Mary Jean and Nancy and Louie Labelle; brothers, Gerald, George, Maurice, Myles, and Eldon; sisters, Jolene and Marilyn; along with numerous other relatives that went before her.

Madeline’s legacy of love, strength, and cultural pride will continue to inspire and guide her family and community for generations to come.

Wake Services will be held at the residence of the late Madeline LaBelle (Mînî Thnî, AB) on Wednesday, August 7, 2024.  Funeral Services will be held at Bearspaw Youth Centre (Mînî Thnî, AB) on Friday, August 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m.  Graveside Service to follow at  Bearspaw Cemetery (Mînî Thnî, AB). 

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

In living memory of Madeline Labelle, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.