Obituary of Mary Ghostkeeper

Mary was born in Sturgeon Lake, Alberta on July 8, 1930 to William Desjarlais and Marcelene Calliou. Mary grew up in Sturgeon Lake and attended residential school for a short period of time and eventually met her future husband, Nelson Ghostkeeper, who was working at the Hudson's Bay store in Sturgeon Lake. Nelson had told his children that he had stolen her heart by giving Mary free candy. They got married in Sturgeon Lake and then moved to Norton's Alberta where Grandpa Bill Desjarlais had a saw-mill and Nelson went to work for him. In the early days the family lived in tents as most people did back then. Nelson's experience in construction eventually brought the family to Little Prairie, B.C. in the early 1950's which is now known as Chetwynd. They were to settle here in Chetwynd for the better part of their lives. They were blessed with eight children, the first being Loretta (Loo-lutch), Alivina (Indian), Phillip (Phillip-seen), Patrick (Chop), Caroline (Bingo), Wilfred (Nuts), Brenda (Packweesegun), Gail (Jay Los), who had gone on to Heaven before her mother and father, and the youngest little angel, Joseph, who we will one day see in heaven, as he did not live long enough to be born into this world. From Nelson and Mary's long marriage cam many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces and nephews. Along with their own children, Nelson and Mary raised two other boys, Ricky Ghostkeeper and Graham Noskiye. Mary worked as a cook in camps and restaurants in Chetwynd and then Prince George where the family had moved to in their later years. She also worked in the Chetwynd Hospital doing janitorial services. Mary's mother, Marcelene Desjarlais was skilled in the preparation of moose hide tanning and native crafts. Her mother passed this talent on to her. Mary was well known for her creations and three Metis Presidents had worn jackets she made to Ottawa during Metis negotiations. It was there that Prime Minister Trudeau had given her admiration for her work. Mary was deeply involved in her Metis culture and on numerous occasions she was invited to open and close ceremonies with prayer which she would do in her native tongue. She loved to jig. Friends, John and Bill McGilvery had commented that if you bumped into Mary while she was jigging that she did not miss a step. Mary's Metis culture brought great joy to her as it was a chance to meet friends and share stories and on occasion, jig. One of Mary's favourite country artists was Kitty wells and when she had the opportunity to see Kitty in person, Nelson had a chuckle seeing Mary scurry around to finish making moccasins which she was making to give to Kitty Wells, and she did. Mary loved her bingo. She met numerous friends through Bingo and people knew where her chair was located as it was her spot. Her son-in-law, Charlie (Chubb) Seymour had gone to bingo with her one time and Chubb had stood up to have a look around; Mary told Chubb sit down or she would tell Brenda on him. Chubb said, "I'm just looking for my cousin". This was one of many memorable occasions that she would experience through her bingo outings. Mary's son-in-laws vied for top spot for their mother-in-law. John McRobbie who is married to Mary's daughter, Caroline said that Chubb got a few more brownie points by moving to Chetwynd, but that he was still number one. Nevertheless, no matter who had the most brownie points, her son-in-laws greatly respected her. It is fitting that Mary has gone full circle as in the early years she had been involved with the Royal Canadian Legion in the Ladies Auxiliary. She was a Major of Arms. Mary passed away on Wednesday, August 10, 2011 in Chetwynd, at the age of 81 years. A wake was held on Monday, August 15, 2011 at 7:00 pm, at the Chetwynd Royal Canadian Legion Hall. A funeral Mass was held on Tuesday, August 16, 2011 at 11:00 am, at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church. Fr. Vener Sabocan officiated. Interment followed in the Tuscoola Mountain Cemetery, Chetwynd, BC. Mary was pre-deceased by her Husband, (Roger) Nelson and children Gail and Joseph. She is survived by her sons; Patrick (Monica), Phillip, Wilfred (Linda), Rick (Niki) Graham Noskiye (Donna), Daughters; Loretta Calliou, Alvina Soloshy, Caroline (John) McRobbie, Brenda (Charlie) Seymour and many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews. Mary will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her in all aspects of her life. Until we meet again, we love you, Mary.