Pookiitsitapiakii/Little IndianGirl

Margaret Marie Taypotat (Spear Chief) passed away peacefully on April 12, 2024 in Lethbridge Alberta at the age of 63. She was better known as Marie to everyone. She was born at the Blood Indian Hospital in Cardston, Alberta, to the late Allen and Isabel Spear Chief on February 24, 1961.

She received her earliest education starting at the Standoff Day School, and St.Mary’s School on the Blood reserve. Later continuing in Calgary, St. Annes and St. Angelas in 1975. Her parents moved back home to the Blood reserve and she returned to finish her education at St. Mary’s School. In the past few years, Margaret volunteered at Genisis as a clerical receptionist and also at the Streets Alive Mission. From 2019 to 2023 Marie also worked for four of her family members (her sister Monica, her sister Carolyn, her niece Stephanie, and another niece Teddi) who each had catering organizations. She was silly and made the work enjoyable.

In 1978 she met and married Terry Taypotat in Calgary Alberta and had five children. Crystal, Shannon, Jocelyn, TJ and Amanda. Along with 20 grandchildren. Marie loved her children and grandchildren unconditionally, she had a special bond with each and everyone of them. She raised her two grandsons Kashton and Carter, trying her best to have a home for them. Whenever she was on the phone with any of her children, she called them baby always ending ‘’I Love You’’.

Margaret was a homemaker; raising her children and would do labour work with Terry. She also helped out dad and mom on the farm. One time she was helping dad catch and load the pigs into the truck for Picture Butte Auction. While dad was taking a break, she decided to grab a piglet. Attempted to swing and toss it into the truck. But kept hitting the little piglet against the back of the truck about three or four times. Dad told her to stop, the piglet had a bleeding nose. Dad told her, ‘’I wont be able to sell that piglet all bruised’’. Margaret said dad made it look so easy.

Her marriage ended in the early 90s and remarried William (Bill) Grant for the next 26 years. Bill predeceased her February 16, 2016.

Margaret was very family orientated, compassionate, she made a lot of friends young and old. She was always willing to help out family babysitting, house cleaning and cooking. She welcomed family and friends into her home. Tried her best to have a home for them. She always had a smile for everyone, we will miss that dimple.

Margaret is survived by; her children; Shannon (Ray), Jocelyn, TJ (Dakota), Amanda, and 20 grandchildren. Sisters; Gertrude, Monica, Emma, Gloria, Carolyn (Kevin). Brothers; Melvin (Merle) and Kelvin (Betty). Numerous nieces and nephews, cousins, and auntie Lena Chief Calf.

Predeceased by; her parents Allen and Isabel Spear Chief. Her First born Crystal Faith Marie Taypotat. Grand-daughter Elijah Jonana. Terry Taypotat, Bill Grant, and her friend John Insley. Sisters; Alma (Martin), Rita (Grant) and Lorna (Arlin). Infant brother Michael Spear Chief. Brother in laws; Gilbert Tom Honey, Lesley Buckskin Sr. and Leonard Brave Rock Sr. Numerous nieces and nephews. Relatives too numerous to mention. Mother and Father in laws George and Gilda Taypotat.

Extended relatives; Shot Both Sides, Across the Mountain, Eagle Plume, White Man Left, Shouting, Red Crow, Crop Eared Wolf, Wolf Child, Good Rider, Mills, Russell, Brewer, Vielle, Crow Chief. Apologies for any names missed.

We would like to acknowledge Julie and Ken Kissick for all they did for her during her struggles and the ladies at the Segue Woman’s Home Lethbridge Alberta.

A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Thursday, April 18, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Friday, April 19, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.

Following the Funeral Mass, Margaret will be laid to rest in St. Catherine’s Cemetery.

 

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

• Date : 2024-04-12
• Location : Alberta