It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden and tragic passing of our beloved STARLENE "STAR" NORMA FRANCES RIDDELL (White Quills) on Saturday, September 16, 2023. She was just 34 years old. Star was a loving mother, daughter, sister, granddaughter, niece and friend, and her untimely departure has left a void in our lives that can never be filled.
She leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories that will forever live in our hearts. She is survived by her son, Carter, who will forever carry forward the love and lessons she shared with him.
Star is also survived by her parents, Geraldine White Quills of the Blood Reserve and Stanley Riddell (Bev Neault) of Calgary, Alberta; her grandmother, Bernadette Young Pine, who played a special role in nurturing her spirit.
Star's siblings were not just family, but her closest companions on life's journey. She is survived by Jaime (Rocky) Eagle Bear, Lyndon White Quills, Ken (David) Janvier and half-sister April Schaly; step-siblings, Melynda and Jennifer Neault.
In addition to her immediate family, Star's circle of love extended to numerous relatives and close friends: her aunts and uncles, Dallas (Katie), Paul (Debbie) Young Pine, and Yolanda (Cameron) Crowchild; and special cousin/sister, Jessie White Quills, who shared in her joys and sorrows, creating enduring memories together. Star's legacy also extends to relatives on her dad's side.
Star, the adoring mother of her cherished son Carter, referred to him as her "Prince", a testament to the deep bond and love they shared. Their connection was truly special, and their time together filled with joy, from visits to the park to one-on-one basketball games. Star's priority was always Carter's safety and well-being.
Star was a kind and gentle soul, overflowing with empathy and compassion for others. She placed the needs of those around her above her own, and her infectious sense of humour and boundless positivity brightened every room she entered. Star was also all about fashion; always impeccably dressed, with a penchant for lip gloss and an unwavering commitment to the perfect laundry routine. Her love for shoes was legendary.
Family and friends were the center of Star's world. She cherished her time with friends. Larissa Lusty, Elaina Beaver, Sandra Guzman, Rachel Gorman and her special friend Kristen (Kris) First Rider brought immense joy into her life. Star's inner calm and affectionate smile, coupled with her impeccable appearance, left a lasting impression on everyone she met.
Star had dreams and plans for herself and Carter. She aspired to learn horseback riding from her uncle Dallas, join her sister Jaime on mountain hikes, and showered her nieces, Kadence, Maria and Miley, and nephew Zakk with love and affection.
She was known for her selfies, a trait that often led to playful teasing from her grandmother Bernadette, about her trademark duck lip selfies. Star's family will dearly miss her phone calls and text messages. Her last conversation with her mother just a week before her passing was filled with love, and her promise to visit soon will forever echo in their hearts.
Star's favorite color was purple, and she had a special fondness for butterflies and her two cats. She would occasionally call her brother-in-law Rocky, requesting money for cat food, a testament to her love for her fur babies.
From her early school days in Calgary, to her adult life, where she pursued upgrading at SAIT and completed her first year of Paralegal Studies, Star's goal was to continue her education to become a Court Worker, driven by her desire to help others. She held several jobs over the years, with her final employment at the Grey Eagle Resort and Casino.
In her passing, Star has been reunited with her grandparents who went before her; her maternal grandfather Jerry Young Pine and her paternal grandmother Norma Riddell. While our hearts ache with grief, we find solace in knowing she is now in their loving embrace.
The family wishes to extend heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated staff at Foothills Hospital for their care and support during this difficult time.
Star will forever be remembered for her beauty, her laughter, her love for her family, and her unwavering devotion to her Prince. Though she is gone too soon, her memory will forever shine brightly in our hearts.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend the Wake Service at CORNERSTONE FUNERAL HOME, 2825 - 32 Street South, Lethbridge, AB, on Wednesday, September 27, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.
The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at ST. MARY'S IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CHURCH, Blood Reserve, AB, on Thursday, September 28, 2023, at 11:00 AM, with Father Pawel Andrasz O.M.I. celebrating.
Following the Funeral Mass, Starr will be laid to rest in the Blood Band Cemetery.
Elaina ( Lainy) Beaver, September 24, 2023