Esther Wuttunee

ESTHER WUTTUNEE It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of my dear wife, Katherine Esther. She passed away on August 3, 2006 at our family home. Esther was born at Willowfield and grew up at the Baljennie homestead. She was born as part of a large family of sisters and brothers and learned the traditional homemaking and household chores but also learned how to do a man's work. When we got married, she moved to her Red Pheasant home where she worked side by side with me for the next 43 years building our family farm where we would raise our kids and eventually our grandchildren. She did more than what was asked of her on the farm including hauling bales, picking rocks, caring for cattle, horses and buffalo, building fences and corrals, cutting grass, planting and watering trees, picking chokecherries. Then she would still come into the house and whip up a quick lunch before going back to work with us. She loved the challenge of learning how to make Star Blankets, tents and Teepees. She amazed people with her determination. I Can't do this! was not in her vocabulary. Rather, I am going to do this more appropriately described her will and determination. She cooked a delicious pie the night before her passing for the children and me. Esther exemplified quiet leadership in carrying out all her work. She led by example initiating tasks hoping that all others would join in to make sure that the work was completed. Regardless what she was doing, my dear Esther worked at one speed, fast. She outworked most people including men in the traditional male tasks. Esther was a woman of great integrity and was an example of the qualities she most admired ... responsibility, thoughtfulness, respect and caring for her prized grandchildren. She witnessed the birth of her first great grandchild, Kayden born on June 27, 2006. ************************************* Esther will be forever remembered by her husband, Oliver with good memories to be shared with Craig (Geraldine), Clint, Roberta, Michelle, O'Neill Gladue, Janice Ledoux and adopted daughter, Tina; as well as sisters and brothers, Florence, Hilda, Victoria, Bert, Helen, Myrtle, Georgie, Fern and adopted brother, Ronnie; and members from the Pritchard, Amyotte, Whiteford, Falcon, Trotchie, Little Bear, Atcheynum, Roy and Wuttunee families. Esther was predeceased by her parents, Mary and George Pritchard; mother-in-law, Bella Wuttunee; sister, Leona; brothers, William, Dennis and Steven; granddaughter, Chantel and niece, Linda. The theme for her funeral service was Farewell My Beautiful Wife with two beautiful songs sung by Lorrie Church. Husband Oliver played a violin solo One day At A Time for her. A love letter from Oliver was also read to those in attendance as a tribute to his late wife. The Reverend Ron Baerg conducted the formal service assisted by Gordon Yarde who also sang Amazing Grace in Cree. Nephews Lance and Everett Stone sang the Journey To Heaven pow-wow song at the gravesite. The immediate Oliver Wuttunee family thanks all those who attended the Wakes and Farewell Service. Thank you to all relatives and friends who helped with arrangements through this difficult time. Your kind actions and heartfelt sympathy will always be remembered.