JOANNE CREIGHTON WELLS MIA’NISTAWAISTAMIAAKI (MANY DIFFERENT FLAG WOMAN) passed away peacefully surrounded by her family on Saturday, June 01, 2013 at the Chinook Regional hospital. She is survived by husband, Robert, children; Stan & Clo-Ann (Lynzee), Leslie (Jozee & Jada), Bo & Cheyenne (Stran) granddaughter, Brooke (Mason), mother-in-law Beauty Wells and sister-in-law Roberta (Darcy). Brothers/sisters; Cooky, Ritzie (Ivan), Charlene (Tim), Diki, Bill (Rae-Ann), Pat (Rose) Fox. She is also survived by adopted children, grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles. Joanne ‘Girlie’ Wells was born to the late Stanford & Arabella Creighton on January 19, 1955 at the Blood Indian Hospital. She received her education at St. Mary’s School on the Blood Reserve, graduating with a high school diploma in 1989. She went on to pursue her career in Social Work graduating in 1997 with a Social Work Diploma from Mount Royal College. Girlie always loved being around people and doing anything to help others. This led her employment path to work for Health and Welfare Canada (Medical Services branch), Blood Tribe Administration, Sun Country Child & Family Services in Cardston then moving to Blood Tribe Child Protection Services in Standoff. After being forced to go on long term disability she enrolled at Newman College and earned her a Pastoral Biblical Theology Certificate.
Girlie was raised in a strong Catholic home (being with her maternal grandparents often). Influenced by her mother’s strong belief in the Catholic faith, she joined her mother in November 1983 to make her Cursillo. Her theme of ‘born again’ helped her on her spiritual journey. In the summer of 2007 she joined the Motok’iiksi (Buffalo Women Society). She looked forward to the summer where she would join the other ladies at the annual Sundance. Girlie was a fun person to be around. She was quiet but could be mischievous. Her friends can attest to this. Many occasions she could be the instigator of pranks but would only smile when questioned. Being a good sport, she played on the revival of girls basketball at St. Mary’s. This was the next step from her cheerleading days. She loved horses, and encouraged and supported her family in this sport. In the winter time she would be at the skating rink again supporting her family. Girlie also loved to spend time with her girls and would travel to go shopping with them or just to hang out with them. Her other past times included bingo/casino, just relaxing with her crossword puzzle book, reading a good book (Twilight Trilogy - Team Edward), or watching family videos. Girlie will be sadly missed but her teachings of compassion and unconditional love will live on. The family apologizes for anyone missed because she came from a large extended family. A Family Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Ab. on Sunday, June 9, 2013 at 4:00 P.M. A Wake Service will be held at the SENATOR GLADSTONE HALL, Blood Reserve, AB, on Sunday, June 9, 2013 from 7:00 pm - 11:00 P.M.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARY\'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHOLIC CHURCH, Blood Reserve, AB, on Monday, June 10, 2013 at 11:00 am. Reverend Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. Celebrant Interment to take place following the Funeral Mass at the Blood Band Cemetery. Honoured to serve the family, CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORIUM, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Alberta T1K 7B1. Telephone (403) 381-7777. E-mail: care@cornerstonefh.ca