Mary Ann Weiss was born on September 30, 1947, to William Cross Child Sr. and Annie Many Bears. Mary Ann grew up on the Blood (Kainai) Reserve in Alberta with her 12 siblings Ray Sr. (Annie), Pat Sr. (Theresa), Dominic (Dorthy/Cathy), William Jr. (Justine), Ted (Albertine), Fred (Alice), Ross (Joanne), Madeline (Stanley), Theresa (Clement), Adeline (Harvey), and Nora (Jim) and her best friend for life, Sylvia Eagle Child - Spansky.

Mary Ann was survived by her children Marian Weiss, Jacinda (Eric) Weiss, and Jonathan (Terri) Weiss. Her grandchildren, Carl Weiss, Megan McKenzie, Benjamin Young Pine, Bethany Young Pine, and Jonathan Jr. Young Pine.

Mary Ann, brave, courageous, strong willed, highly spirited, left the Blood Reserve by herself at the young age of 15 to enroll into the Home Economics Program at the Vermillion School of Agriculture. Upon her completion, she moved to the city of Calgary to stay with her sister, Theresa. Mary Ann found employment in Calgary working at the Calgary General Hospital in various capacities – house cleaning and laundry. In 1968, during a visit home, she met her true love. Between 1969 & 70, Mary Ann, with her best friend, continued her education in the Adult Education program at Mount Royal College. In the Fall of 1970 at the United Church in Fort Macleod Mary Ann married Ken. Shortly thereafter, she had three beautiful children. After her children were born, she continued her employment in the hotel industry. Her love for her husband, children and grandchildren were unmeasurable and unconditional. Mary Ann was blessed with five grandchildren that surrounded her with immense love, laughter, and hugs. She always made time for her grandchildren, often having specific snacks in the pantry especially for them. If there was a family gathering within her family or extended family, she was ready to pack up the cooler with food and beverages and often had extra for others that came along. On October 6th, 2023, Mary Ann and Ken celebrated their 54th Wedding Anniversary.

Education and Family were important to Mary Ann. As a wife and a mother, Mary Ann encouraged everyone to obtain their education and was extremely proud when all three of her children graduated from High School, College and University and inspired her husband to return to school. She was a co-facilitator and advocate of the Lethbridge Aboriginal Senior’s Society with her husband. She would assist the Elders with cultural activities including field trips and crafts. The elders held a special place in her heart.

Her life is a testimony of what love, family and education meant to her. She lived for others and often placed her family first. A beautiful soul. If you asked her, she would say she lived a full life.

A Wake will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 – 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Monday, April 15, 2024 from 6:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARTHA’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 355 Columbia Blvd. West, Lethbridge, AB, on Tuesday, April 16, 2024 at 11:00 A.M. with Father William Monis celebrating.

Following the Funeral Mass, Mary Ann will be laid to rest in the Family Plot.