Elizabeth Day Chief

Elizabeth Day Chief (nee Spear Chief)

Pookanskaikaikii

It is with extreme sadness and grief that we announce the passing of our precious mother, Elizabeth Day Chief, beloved wife of 44 years to the late Leo Day Chief.  Surrounded by family, Elizabeth passed away at the Lethbridge Regional Hospital on Thursday, August 5, 2021 at the age of 68 years.  Elizabeth was born on February 10, 1953 at the Blood Indian Hospital.  A loving wife to Leo, who worked diligently alongside her husband to build a home and ranch for her family.  Elizabeth was beautiful, understanding, and forgiving in her way-of-being, a gentle mother and grandmother who was extremely close to her children and provided guidance when needed.  Always busy helping where she can, and very hospitable to family and visitors who came to their home.  Greeting with a smile and feeding her visitors.  As a respected elder who assisted with repatriation projects for the Blood Tribe, Elizabeth was kind and generous; she believed in helping all people which was her strength. In support of her grandchildren, Elizabeth would volunteer at cultural camps, support cancer campaign projects, and attend rodeos and horse races. Elizabeths’ belief was to approach life in a gentle way-of-being - Iikiinapi.

Elizabeth attended the St Mary's Residential School, later in life continued on to upgrade in life management skills. She became a dedicated student determined to complete her education and led her to the University of Lethbridge where she graduated in 1991 from the Social Work Program with a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  A Pillar in the Community, Elizabeth worked 30 plus years as a Supervisor for the Blood Tribe Social Development in the Income Assistance Program.  Elizabeth was dedicated to her job and strived to utilize her formal education and her extensive traditional, spiritual, and cultural knowledge in her work.  Elizabeth will be sadly missed by her co-workers, family, friends, and community for her spirit, support, and guidance. 

Elizabeth is survived by her children, Leon (Pam Eagle Plume), Roxanne, and Ron.  Grandchildren:  Tyson, Ryder, Ceanna, Houston, Mike, Blaise, McKinnely, Cassidy, Quincy, John, Autumn - Penelope; Cody - Kynleigh, and Leo; Colton (Brooke White Quills) Beau, and Bently; Elisha, and Gracie.  Adopted children:  Tom (Sandra) Russel, Cody Fox, Rex (Yolanda) Many Grey Horses, Darlene Plume. 

Siblings:  Moses (Shelly) Spear Chief, Wilma (Wayne Morris) Spear Chief, Juluis (Cheryl) Spear Chief, Tammy, Renee (Winston Day Chief), Trina (Marvin Many Fingers) Sam Day Chief, Bella Day Chief, Mike (Crystal) Day Chief, Jerry (Teresa Small Legs) Day Chief, Agnes Black Water, Rex Day Chief. 

Predeceased by her husband:  Leo Day Chief, her parents:  Cecile Prairie Chicken and James Provost, sister:  Isabell Heavy Shields, Cecil Yellow Wings, and Dorothy Mae Spear Chief - Yellow Wings.  Brother:  Ray Black Water. 

The family apologizes for any names that are missed.

A Family Service will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Wednesday, August 11, 2021, at Eden’s Funeral Home, 2424 5th Ave, Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0, followed by a Wake service until 11:00 P.M.

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday August 12, 2021, at Eden’s Eden’s Funeral Home, 2424 5th Ave, Fort Macleod, AB T0L 0Z0, followed by an interment at One Spot Cemetery

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