It is with profound sadness that we announce our beloved mom and grandma Hilda June Day Chief – Pokootsiimiaakii (Sorrel Horse Woman), who made her spiritual journey home on January 24, 2024 at the Chinook Regional Hospital, surrounded by her loved ones.

She leaves to mourn her passing, her children, Lucille (Eugene Sr) White Quills, Dale, Ernest, Preston (Wanda), Karen (Tom), Tyson, and Glenda Day Chief. Adopted son Kirk White Quills. Her grandchildren, Eugene Jr, Jade and Jeanelle, Cordell, Jimbo, Tyler, Danielle, Tenielle, Kristine and Joseph, Taylor, Carter and Shady, Kirstie, Clint and Riley, Nakira, Angelina, Lenaisha, Kristyna and Jimzlie numerous great-grandchildren, her siblings Wilton (Trina), Harriet, Bruce (Carla), Chester, Perry, Martha (late Winston) and Patsy Day Chief, Rita (Keith) Red Crow, Laverne (Rodney) First Rider, Delia (John) Chief Moon and Diane (Late Larry) Marsh as well as her Godmother Ruth Macdougall.

Mom was born on January 30, 1942 to the late Victor and Lucy (Heavy Runner) Day Chief at the Blood Indian Hospital. June came from a large family, she was the family matriarch, and welcomed everyone to her home. Her siblings would often come to visit, staying for extended periods of time. She really valued her brother Wilton, who provided endless support to their family functions and events.

Mom was a beautiful, kind, humble and gentle woman. She made many friends throughout her life young and old, sharing stories with humor and laughter. She was a devout catholic; reciting her rosaries daily, she made her Cursillo and Live-in, and made numerous trips to Lac St. Anne.

Mom was a single parent and loved her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren dearly, she was very supportive of their accomplishments and endeavors. She was a homemaker and very talented in sewing, knitting, and beading. She loved going to bingo, powwows, and listening to Gospel music. Mom enjoyed many family outings and had a special bond with everyone.

Mom came from a large extended family, including – Heavy Runner, Mountain Horse, Beebe, Heavy Head, Knife, Hunt, Panther Bone and Gros Ventre Boy.

Mom was predeceased by her son Leslie (Lubby) Day Chief, grandchildren Tara Day Chief, Brittany Smith and Dorian ‘Boss’ Spotted Bull, great-grandson Michael Eagle Bear, siblings, Winston Sr., Rosaline, Alfreda, Jarvis (Julianna), Doris and Judy Day Chief.

The family would like to thank the Doctors and Nurses from the Chinook Regional Hospital for the care they gave our mother, and to all the family and friends for their prayers, visits, and support during this difficult time.

Mom will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

A Wake will be held at OLD AGENCY HALL, Standoff, AB, on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, from

6 – 10 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. BASIL’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 – 13 Street North, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, January 31, 2024 at 10:00 A.M. with Father Kevin Tumback celebrating.

Following the Funeral Mass, June will be laid to rest in One Spot Cemetery.

To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com

• Date : 2024-01-24
• Location : Lethbridge, Alberta