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Ella Driver Obituary
Most beloved Mother, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, grandmother and friend of many passed on September 19, 2008
A member of the Narragansett And Pequot Tribal Nations, a teacher of culture and tradition, a mentor and role model, an inspirer and philanthropist. Born on the glorious day of November 25, 1954 to John Babcock Brown (Mountain Thunder) and Ella Caroline Wilcox Brown, she is preceded in passing over by her father and three Brothers (Byron her favorite, Baby Lloyd, and Baby John II). She is survived by her mother, five children, two grandchildren, two brothers, three sisters and many friends.
In life, she volunteered and donated many years of her time to her Tribes education departments, cultural teachings of traditional languages and of arts and crafts and of song and dance, providing meals through her soup kitchen; furniture through her Netop furniture Program for Tribal elders and low income families; role model to many young women of her as one of the most celebrated Indigenous American dancers of the Narragansett tribe; celebrated recorded Master Artisan of the Narragansett Tribe and caregiving and mentorship of Tribal youth as Parent Education Committee President. Of all of her accomplishments, her most beautiful, prideful and rewarding to her was in being a Mother to her children, which she did with all of her heart, body and spirit. She will always be remembered as the most loving, nurturing, thoughtful, selfless, generous, sincere, genuine, wonderful and beautiful Mother anyone could hope for. Joyous, exuberent spirit, loving and caring Mother...You will be loved and remembered forever.
A wake will be held on Friday, September 26, 2008 at the Rushlow Iacoi Funeral Home, 64 Friendship Street, Westerly, Rhode Island from 3pm-6pm. Funeral services will be held at Rushlow Iacoi Funeral Home on Saturday, September 27, 2008 at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at First Hopkinton Cemetery, Ashaway. The children of Ella Elizabeth Driver would like to thank all who have offered their condolences.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ella Driver
Cheryl Jones
October 25, 2008
Dear Betty, you will be remembered and loved always. We (my kids and husband) all loved you very much. I heard and could not believe the news. You really did bring Spring and new life with you, wherever you went. My family remembers the fun times at the parks and going swimming with all the kids (and kid's friends) in-tow. We love you dearly, and you are alive in our hearts.
Love, Cheryl
Chris "Clear Water"
October 25, 2008
To the Children of Betty,
My message left below is meant for you.
Again my deepest condolences and love,
Cousin Chris
Chris
October 25, 2008
Your Mother was truly gifted. I remember her way of speaking, the way she always was clear and true in her words. We would talk for hours about things that were meaningful. I was surprised to hear that Betty was ill, because she was such a bright light for others in their time of need. She always took care of her family, and always offered her relatives tea when they came to her house. My deepest condolences and love to her children and family.
Love, your Cousin Chris
Nicole Brown
October 24, 2008
Dear Children of Ella,
I went to see your Mother, Betty, at Brown University when she was a speaker there, she was a young mother as was I and later we worked together for her Netop Furniture program. Your mother was a true friend to me because I had just lost my husband when I met her. I will always remember her laughter, and the way her eyes twinkled when she talked. She will be missed, and I know she is with the Creator.
Ann Souza
October 7, 2008
My heart felt condolence to the Children and Family of Betty. She will be missed.
Linda Horton
September 29, 2008
I had the pleasure of meeting Betty years back. She taught me how to do bead work. I remember the beautiful little baby shoes embelished with the shiny little beads of many colors. She loved her children. My prayers go out to her family. Sincerely, Linda J Horton
MERVIN JOHNSON
September 29, 2008
I didn,t know you that well .seen you at AUGUST MEETINGs I know your family JOHN,HAW, MYRE ROSLYN. your mother ELLA. WHO MARRIED MY cousin ERIC THOMAS who is my first blood my mother & his MOTHER ARE SISTERS SEKATORS YOU WILL BE MISSED .you have A family that keeps UP with the INDIAN HERTIAGE THAT IS STRONG HELPING others in the TRIBE TO SEE WHO THEY ARE
Chastity Machado
September 27, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Love your cousins,
E.B. and Attaquin
Byron Brown
September 26, 2008
Owaissah "Blue Bird"
Her traditional ways will never be forgotten. She knew who she was and now we all know. She taught her children the Indian ways of life, to be able to stand in both worlds with their heads high.
"Blue Bird" was the Indian name I gave her many years ago at one of our dance classes. That day, a blue bird kept flying around the area we were dancing in, we later found out it had a nest that it was protecting. Betty protected her nest very well also. The sighting of a blue bird today is rather rare, they appear in the Spring and leave in the fall. I ask each of you that knew her to keep and eye open in the Spring seasons and she will come back to visit us again.
Uncle
Chief Sachem "Sun Rise"
Wiquapaug Eastern Pequot Indian Tribe
Arthur Donovan
September 26, 2008
We send our deepest support in Spirit to the entire family, friends and tribal members who knew and still love this remarkable woman. We will burn tobacco and send prayers for her safe journey.
Walking Turtle and Doe Heart
Members of American Indian Federation and Red Moon drum
Little Crow and Carol Henries
September 26, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers of peace and love are with your family. Be assured that Owaissah is safely home in the loving care of the Creator, while a part of her spirit will always remain with those many people whose lives she touched.
Randy Noka
September 26, 2008
Betty,
We love and know that you will always be with us in spirit as we are with you. May the Creator watch over you and your family. We have been with the kids by your fire listening and sharing your beautiful spirit.
We love you,
The Noka/Machado Family
Randy, Bella, Chali, Norman and Randy II
Bella Noka
September 26, 2008
Betty there are no words that man can make to describe you, I love you and have always admired you. I spent alot of time with you and your family as we all worked toward my traditional wedding day. You helped make that day beautiful, when it was raining you spoke to the winds and the creator and asked that the sun shine through as I watched you and it cleared up almost magically. You are truly a beautiful spirit, as we all feel you today and will remember you always as will our grandchildren. Your beautiful children walk with the same grace and pride and hold the valuable lessons of tradition that you taught them. They represent you well, and I am so happy that you are a part of my life.
"In Spirit"
Cousin
Bella Noka
ps Nobody can wear a hat or boots like cousin Betty
Gilles Moashk Kovacs
September 26, 2008
This is a sad day for we lost someone we love, we will never get to see her again in person, the creator meant it this way!But there is hope, her spirit is alive and she is present now at every time with us untill we meet again some day in the spirit world, regards to the family; Considered Bear Montagnais, living in Quebec Canada! friend and brother of Keith Brown.
Brian Lightfoot Brown
September 26, 2008
My condolences to Cousin Betty's children who knew her best. Betty was my first cousin.....a loss so close is always hard to cope with...but Cousin Betty, you are missed by all who knew you and will never be forgotten.
Uncle Keith Brown
September 25, 2008
As I stood in my yard, catching my breath from cutting wood, I heard the voice of a crow. Crow is our Tribal Messenger Bird. He had a message for me. You are not always given the message right then and there, but you WILL get the message. I waited for the message. The next morning, another of my nieces, Pearl called to tell me of your passing. I knew it was coming, but it still hit me hard and hurt very much. I sat most of that day and thought of you. I prayed. The Creator gave me His answer. I looked into the sky from a northerly direction and witnessed a cloud. For some reason, the cloud reminded me of you, Betty. As the cloud drew closer, it began to come apart. It went behind a tree and when it emerger from behind the tree, there were now two clouds. I took this to mean that the cloud was you and your children and grandchildren and you were separating yourself from them, because it is the Creators way. The cloud that I percieved as you slowly floated on in a southwesterly direction. That is the direction of our beloved Kautontawit, our Creator. He was calling you home and you were certainly headed in the right direction. Being as close in age as we were, you were at times a sister to me rather than a niece, but you always showed me tremendous love and respect by always saying, "Well, hello there Uncle" whenever or wherever we would meet, followed by a hug and a kiss. One of my wishes was that your father, my big brother John could of lived long enough to see the beautiful Grandsons and Grand daughters that you would of given him. You did him well. We are all so proud of you. You fought a tremendous battle with your illness and not once did your head bow in submission. You are a great example of the tremendous fighting spirit of our ancestors as well as your Grandma Brown and your indominable father, Mountain Thunder, from whom you got your great strength and courage from. You come from a large and spiritual family and I know that you will look down upon us to offer guidance in your own way, and to give Great Kautontawit a break. I love and miss you. AHO! E-wo-wox-co-dah-wa, Sub-chief and Second Councilman of the Wiquapaug Eastern Pequot Indian Tribe.
MRS. KAREN SIMMONS
September 25, 2008
I am so sorry for your lost. I never met Ella, but hear a lot of wonderful things about her from my best friend Bella. Ella is a cousin of Bella. My heart goes out to all of you and I feel your pain. I have lost so many loves. Please just keep her spirit alive and remember the happy times you all shared with her. May her soul rest in peace. All of you are in my prayers.
Respectfully,
Mrs.Karen M Simmons
CATHERINE BROWN-IZZO
September 25, 2008
OUR CONDOLENCES
Sherleen & Edward M. Rose
September 25, 2008
So sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. From Olive Johnson Whitfords dauthter. Wouldn't it be a joy to see Betty again, right here on earth. The Bible speaks of that promise.
Dee-Dee(Deirdre) Machado-Tomar
September 25, 2008
To the whole Brown family please accept my condolences on your lost. I remember Betty since I was a little girl not only as a cousin but as the beautiful person she always was. I remember coming from the city in the summer to stay at aunt Graces house and Betty being there telling her stories,making us laugh keeping me entertained. I was younger but looked up to her with admiration, I always loved her smile and quick wit. She will be sadly missed.She is now in the hands of the creator. May her soul rest in peace.
Bevy Jensen
September 25, 2008
We remember Betty and our family sends love and prayers to our Narragansett relatives.
Bob& Bevy Jensen, Lori and Phil Gomez and children
Daniel Dove
September 25, 2008
Dear Jimmy, Family and Friends,
I am so sorry to hear of Betty's passing into the Spirit World. My prayers and thoughts are with you. This was the first year I didn't see her at August meeting, I always enjoyed talking with her and nibbling on your frybed and drinking Strawberry drink. She was very proud of you children. I'm sorry I will not be able to attend the services as I'm currently working in upstate NY.
Daniel Little Bear Dove
Lorraine (Stanton) Keyes
September 25, 2008
My deepest sympathies to all of Betty's family. I wish that the beautiful memories you have of Betty will help you through this time of sorrow. I remember all of the fun times Betty and I had as kids growing up together. Meeting at the Indian Church every Sunday for Church Services, each other homes, and dancing at all our Powwow's. Time seems to take you apart from each other but you will always have the memories.
Take care everyone, you will all be in my prayers!
DeeDee Lucas
September 25, 2008
Please accept my deepest sympathies.
aukeeteamitch brown
September 25, 2008
R.I.P.
AUNTY BETTY YOU WILL BE MISSED! I JUST WISH I WAS THERE MORE FOR MY COUSIN IN THERE TIME OF NEED YOU DONT REALIZE HOW PRECIOUS LIFE IS UNTILL YOU LOSE SOMEONE THAT YOU LOVE! MY AUNTY BETTY WAS ONE OF THE FUNNEST AUNTS EVER! SHE WAS THE AUNT THAT TAUGHT ME HOW TO DO MY HAIR, WEAR HIGH HEELS,TAUGHT US TRADITIONAL VALUES AND SO MUCH MORE! I JUST WISH I WAS NOT SO IGNORANT AS A CHILD AND WOULD HAVE SAT AND LISTENED TO MY AUNT MORE WHEN I HAD THE CHANCE! I WILL NEVER FORGET THE COUNTLESS NIGHTS MY SIBLINGS AND COUSINS ALL SAT AT OUR AUNTIES HOUSE MAKING FOOD,DOING BEADWORK, CLEANING AND SINGING IN THE KITCHEN,GETTING SCARED OUT OF OUR MINDS LISTENING TO HER TELL US SCARY STORIES BY THE WOOD BURNING STOVE(im still affraid of goblin fruit & the highway man) AND THE MOST FUN DOING OUR TALENT SHOWS!! THOSE ARE WHAT YOU CALL GOOD MEMORIES! SHE WAS A VERY LOVING AND CARING STONG TRADITIONAL NATIVE MOTHER AND AUNT! I WILL MISS HER TERRIBLY! REST IN PEACE MY BELOVED AUNTY BETTY September 19th,2008
:THOSE WHO KNEW MY AUNT THERE WILL BE A FIRE BURNING ON OUR POW WOW GROUNDS UNTIL SATURDAY! PLEASE PAY YOUR RESPECTS TO HER CHILDREN!! love always aukeeteamitch
Maria
September 25, 2008
I did not know Ella, but after reading this beautiful memorial, I wish I had the opportunity to meet her. Clearly this woman has been a cherished gift to her family, friends and nation.
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