QUESNELLE It is with the greatest sadness and sorrow that we announce the sudden passing of a most beloved mother, precious daughter, loving grandmother, sister, and aunt, Brenda Sharon Quesnelle (Blackwater). Born on August 21, 1956 she passed away on March 9, 2011, at the age of 54. Our most beloved Brenda leaves behind her husband and special friend, Karl Quesnelle, her children Sheryl Blackwater, Seven Quesnelle, Nikki Quesnelle (Denny), and Baby Karl Quesnelle. Her mother Mrs. Theresa Blackwater, brothers Ross (Christine), Stanley Jr., and Harley (Agnus) Blackwater. Sisters Bernadette Blackwater (John), Sandra Blackwater, Delores (Jack) Den Hollander, along with her precious grandchildren Felix, Jubei, Drae, Brandon, Gabriel, Payton, Cassidy, Cianna, and Denny Jr. Aunts Donalda Red Crow, Veronica (Ray) Brewer, Christine (George) Good Dagger, Joan (Joe) White Man Left, and Elizabeth Big Throat. Uncle Tony (Lorna) Blackwater. God children Chickory Blackwater, Mark Den Hollander, Sherwyn Big Throat, and Randall Blackwater. Adopted children Sandy Big Throat, Melissa Eagle Bear, Bill Blackwater. Adopted siblings Marleen Oka, Carolyn Twigg, Lorraine Blackwater, Geri Twigg and Eugene Blackwater. Mother-in-law Ruth (Carmen) Mclanaghan. She goes to lovingly join those who predeceased her, her father Stanley Blackwater Sr., brother Carl (mittens) Blackwater. Her cherished son Brandon Blackwater. Grandparents Mary Blackwater, Henry Cochrane, Tom Three Persons, and Harry and Clara Big Throat. Uncles Bill Blackwater, George Blackwater, Max (Annabelle) Big Throat, and Horace Big Throat. Aunties Myrtle Scout, Bridgette Many Grey Horses, Maryanne Blackwater, Ada Kadanaga, Annie Blackwater, Albertine Plume, Celina (James) Twigg, Pauline Healy, Evelyn (Eugene) Twigg, and Father-in-law Horace Quesnelle, as well as numerous family members. Born and raised on the Blood Reserve, she received her education at the Stand Off Day School, G.R. Davis Elementary in Fort Macleod, and briefly at the St. Mary’s Residential School. She also attended St. Mary’s High School, in which she excelled in Blackfoot History, where her instructor Lois Soop relied on her knowledge of the Blackfoot people and culture. She continued her education at the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School in Calgary, also the Red Crow College on the Blood Reserve, the Academy of Learning, and the Lethbridge Community College, in Lethbridge earning various diplomas in Business, and Business Administration, and Small Business Entrepreneur. A most caring and loving person, she dedicated her life to her children, then later to caring for her father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Blackwater Sr. In the last years of her life she devoted her time to caring for her most beloved grandson whom she affectionately referred to as ‘Baby Karl’.
Her career started as a Personal Care Assistant at St. Michael’s Hospital, in Lethbridge. Upon graduation from the Plains Indian Cultural Survival School she accepted a job there, where she taught Blackfoot, and Native Arts and Crafts for 10 years, until she came home to help care for her ailing father. While lovingly helping her parents she founded and started a small business, Blackwater Impressions, utilizing her love of sewing, native arts, and crafts, she created popular bedding, linens, and house decor. She also created beautiful clothing, from formal to casual wear, her talent is unmatched, for her clothes were a form of artwork, instead of just clothes. For a time she also taught Blackfoot Immersion at the Laverne Head Start Program. Being raised on a ranch, and owner of cattle, she had a continuous love of horseback riding, she also enjoyed all types of sports, weight lifting, sewing, jogging, native arts and crafts, and beading. Always on the move, she also enjoyed going to the Casino from time to time, and playing Bingo every now and then. Brenda also thoroughly enjoyed watching horror movies, the Calgary Flames, and reading. She was also a firm believer in, and an advocate for Naturopathy, and Homeopathic methods. Nothing meant more to her than spending time with family and friends. She was also a devout Catholic, spending many hours with her mother reading and praying, to bring herself closer to God our Father. She especially devoted time to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and loved reciting the rosary each day. Her devotion to her faith led her each year, with her parents, on a pilgrimage to Lac St. Ann, it also led her to travel France, Spain, Italy, and Portugal. A fan of music, she more recently had the opportunity to travel to Nashville.
Brenda had a smile that brightened the world, her love overflowed onto those around her. Her laugh was so infectious that no matter the day you were having, she always had you smiling and laughing in short time. The most caring person, Brenda would always be there for those in need, her hugs, her eyes, the strength in her prayers, and her continuous generosity was a comfort to any who crossed her path. She will be missed beyond words, and forever loved in the hearts of those who knew her.
To gather and pray for her safe journey a Family Service will be held at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2800 Mayor Magrath Drive South, Lethbridge, Friday, March 18, 2011, at 4:00 P.M., with the Wake Service to follow at 7:00 P.M. at the CHIEF MOUNTAIN CHAPEL, Cardston, Alberta.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARY’S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, Blood Reserve, on Saturday, March 19, 2011 at 11:00 A.M. with Reverend Pawel Andrasz, Celebrant. Interment at St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Stand Off. Everyone is then invited to join the family for lunch at the Kainai High School Gymnasium. 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