Miina'ki / Woman of the Berries - PHILOMENA LITTLE BEAR returned home to the Creator after a lifetime of service on March 23, 2015, at the age of 76; she passed on surrounded by family. Philomena was born on October 10, 1938, to Bob No Runner and Helen (Oka) and was the fourth in a family of seven. She was raised in a loving home by hard working parents. She attended school at St. Paul's Anglican Residential School and after completion in 1956, she attended Olds College.

Philomena met her life`s partner, Gilbert Little Bear in 1957, and throughout their marriage of 54 years, they lived together in true companionship. Philomena was her family`s pillar, with her devotion never wavering she tended to her husband and children with loving hands. Philomena was the embodiment of a mother to Tom, Joanne and Cynthia, and to her grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family.

Philomena lived her life on the Blood Reserve in the community of Old Agency; her family life was traditional. Her parents were long time keepers of the bundle and her grandmother Ahkopikssi was central to her upbringing; they all lived the spiritual life. Philomena exemplified their teachings. She was kind and respectful to all, not one to impose her will on others, she exuded only peace. Ever reserved, Lady Philomena quietly fulfilled her roles with love.

Her love extended to the many dogs she tenderly cared for throughout her lifetime. Many a stray dog would somehow find its way to her door and surely she would restore it to health. As part of her final wishes, she explained that her Chihuahua T-Rex "needs to be cared for like a baby". Her home was the entire family's hub where extended family shared in countless dinners and where her famous bannock and fry bread were always in abundance. Philomena was mom to all, in her quiet and humble way she took care of all who entered her home. She personified beauty inside out. Our Angel will be forever missed.

Her children extend gratitude to family and friends who have been so supportive during this trying time and to Dr. Crawford and the nurses of Cardston Hospital who took exceptional care of mom during her stay. Thank you.

Philomena will be forever missed by her children; Tom (Amanda), Tiny & Cindy, sisters; Frances & Della No Runner & Beverly Hungry Wolf (John), adopted sisters; Jennifer No Runner & Cheryl Spear Chief (Julius), grandchildren; Melodie (J.J.), Brandy (Audie), Tommy, Lily, Bayley, Dacey, Darwin (Abigail), Cian & Kenton, great-grandchildren; Sydney, Nola, Brody, Badger, Marlee, Connor, Christa, Tawny Jo, Suray & baby Philomena, adopted children; Clayton No Runner (Sandra), Delphine Cross Child (Merle) & Brian Wadsworth, nephews; Alvin (Delia) & Calvin (Joanne), Delvin (Roni) & Harley, nieces; Charlotte & Sherry (Shane), her Little Bear brothers; Morris, Leroy (Amethyst), Patrick (Christine) & Gary (Lisa) & sister in-law Marina No Runner & brother in-law Dominic Cross Child (Kathy).

Miina'ki was predeceased by her husband Sikkowapsspi (Gilbert), granddaughters; Tawny Jo & Morning Star, son Rusty Healy, parents Bob & Helen, siblings; Lawrence, Donald, Dorothy & Nancy, parents-in-law; Edward & Ruth and Hilda, brothers- in-law; Horace Red Crow, William & Leonard Little Bear, nephews & niece; Darrell, Robert, Roddy, Dugan & Harley Nova, aunts; Annie Day Chief, Betty Healy, Beatrice Weasel Fat & Edith Mills, uncles; Steve & Tom Oka & special cousins Art Healy Jr., Richard Day Chief & Gilbert Weasel Fat.

A Funeral Service will be held at ST. PAUL'S ANGLICAN CHURCH, 90-1st. Avenue West, Cardston, Alberta, on Thursday, April 2, 2015 at 1:00 P.M. with viewing starting at 11:00 A.M. Reverend Tipper to officiate.

Interment to follow at One Spot Cemetery, Old Agency, Blood Reserve, Alberta.