FRANCE MERCEDES DELANEY-RUSSELL
NIOKSKASISOYAKI – KSISKANII`TSOOWA`KI
BORN : October 10, 1992
DIED: September 29, 2023
She came into the world in the rain, and she left in those same peaceful droplets. France Mercedes Delaney-Russell leaves to mourn her parents Tom and Sandra, sisters Lenni (Josh) Day Chief, Quincy (Patrick) Yellow Wings and Jaidii (Jacoby) Delaney-Russell, Carol Melting Tallow, Sage Wadsworth, Tressa Yellow Horn, Sam Weasel Moccasin, Skylee Dixon, brothers Brett Weasel Moccasin, John (Harry) Wells, Grandmother Lena Russell, numerous nephews, nieces, and family and relatives on both sides of the border as she makes her journey to be with loved ones who have gone before us.
Mercedes is survived by: Great Uncles Steven Heavy Shields, Jordan Heavy Shields, Oliver Russell, Bruce (Connie) Russell, Sam Day Chief, Mike (Crystal) Day Chief, Jerry Day Chief, Rex Day Chief; Great Aunts: Barbara Tailfeathers, Faye Heavy Shields, Sharon Heavy Shields, Angela Russell, Sylvia Russell, Illona Weasel Moccasin, Bella Day Chief, Agnes Day Chief ; Uncles: Norbert (Cecelia) Black Water, Jim (Joyce) Russell, Karl Russell, Alphonse (Marilyn) Standing Alone, Travis (Veronica) Plaited Hair, Albert (Debbie) Blackwater; Aunts: Norma Russell, Maria Russell, Rose (Delvin) No Runner, Noreen Wolf Child, Joyce Healy; Great Uncles: Steward (Marion) Weasel Moccasin, Andrew Weasel Moccasin; Great-Great Aunt: Rosemarie Tailfeathers, Eve Yellow Old Woman; Great Aunt: Greta (Raymond) Many Bears; Uncles: Julius (Bailey) Delaney, Duayne Delaney, Lloyd (Shirley) Eagle Child; Aunt: Emily Delaney, Louanne (Troy) Many Fingers, Paula (Calvin) Healy, Bonnie Weasel Moccasin, Tammy (Rudy Low Horn) Weasel Moccasin, Tracy Weasel Moccasin, Tina Weasel Moccasin, Tamara Shouting; Adopted Grandmothers: Roseanne Many Fingers, Christine (Roy) Bare Shin Bone.
Mercedes was gifted with a personality that drew people of all ages and backgrounds into her loving circle. Her caring nature drew family, relatives and friends to her as she treated everyone with respect and friendship. As a young girl, Mercedes was often mistaken as someone with an Asian history because of her eyes; it was during those early times where she developed a lifelong love of all things oriental. She became our China doll and she would just laugh whenever references to her features came up. Mercedes loved to travel and with her family they travelled to places including Las Vegas where they walked `The Strip` and to Los Angeles, California, where they thoroughly enjoyed their time spent at Disney Land and Universal Studios. She also travelled with her sister Quincy to Orlando, Florida, where they went to Disney Land. Mercedes travelled with her sister Sage to Taos, New Mexico, and her fondest memory of her trip was when they ate at a local restaurant and a group of Chinese people were seated at a nearby table. While Sage was looking out the window, the waitress told Mercedes `Do you want a chair to sit with your group`. With an embarrassing laugh, she told them she wasn`t a part of the group of Chinese patrons. Mercedes was also a talented jingle dress dancer and together with her sister would hit the powwow trail throughout the summer months.
After receiving a karaoke machine for Christmas, Mercedes developed a love of singing that amazed people wherever she shared her talent. Her beautiful voice soared high with the eagles and gently caressed the sunflowers that swayed in unison with her songs. One of her favorite songs Àve Maria` drew people into the melody from beginning to the end with those hearing her clapping and cheering in enthralled appreciation. During a performance at a karaoke challenge at the Deerfoot Casino in Calgary, even her fellow competitors were bowing and cheering upon hearing her amazing voice.
Despite her many talents and gifts, Mercedes had a vulnerability which eventually overcame the tremendous strength she was blessed with. At an early age, she became dependant on the deadly drugs that eventually prevailed over such a beautiful spirit. She tried her hardest to overcome her addictions by attending the Kapown Rehabilitation Centre in Grouard, AB. She then began her employment with her mentors Jason Abrey, Leslie Wells and Kara Eagle Bear at the Bringing the Spirit Home treatment facility in Stand Off, AB. During this time, Mercedes enrolled in the Addictions Counselling program with Reeves College and proudly graduated after achieving one of her goals. She then transferred to Lethbridge to continue her close association with Jason Abrey in meeting the needs of the many city people trying to overcome their own personal struggles. Along her journey, Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, another of her mentors, truly loved Mercedes and the feeling was mutual. Included as a mentor is Bonnie Weasel Moccasin. As an addictions counsellor, Mercedes offered her expertise and her life experiences in saving the lives of many people struggling with their personal addictions. We, as family members, will never know her struggles and suffering as she tried her best to cope with such powerful addictions. Her mom would plead with her try, try her best to eventually walk on that road, free from her pains. But, ultimately, and toward the end of her life, that choice was hers.
Her nephews Lukan, Kenlan, Ethan, Jacoby Jr. and nieces Dakoda, Carling, Rorii and Eilaya were the love of her life. She completely spoiled them with her unwavering generosity, love and attention as she showered them with laughter, clothes and gifts. `Aunty Moese` became their favorite not just because she took them shopping for clothes, toys and games but it was because of her fun-loving and genuine nature she embraced each of them with. Mercedes hosted sleepovers where they ordered take-out food, made popcorn and watched videos without them worrying about staying up too late. She shared her special day, her birthday, with her nephew Lukan and together became rattle keepers as active members of the Brave Dog Society. She just loved being at the Sundance and never wanted to leave. She always talked about her nephews Bailey and Ashton and niece Taylor and was so happy when both Bailey and Taylor became loving parents. She was so happy for her sister -- gramma Lenni. Mercedes was also an unwitting participant in her mother`s Tiktok videos saying `Yo mom.` Her dad would often tell them to be proud of where they lived and called his girls his `Turnip Hill princesses`.
Mercedes was predeceased by Great Grandparents: Dan & Ada Weasel Moccasin, Eddie & Ada Heavy Shields; Grandparents Wallace & Eleanor Delaney, James Russell Sr.; Adopted Mother: Verna Delaney; Great-Uncles: Cordell Weasel Moccasin, Daniel Weasel Moccasin, Edward Heavy Shields, Herman Heavy Shields, Gordon Heavy Shields, John Heavy Shields; Uncles: Delbert Delaney, Robert Russell, Edmond Wolf Child, Kelsey Wolf Child. Great Aunts: Martina Blood, Julianna Day Chief, Joanne Cross Child, Alva Weasel Moccasin, Jane Davis, Fanny Healy, Charlotte Russell, Evelyn Healy, Mary Heavy Shields; Aunt: Velma Delaney; Cousins: Andre Weasel Moccasin, Cameron Coolidge Russell, Roddy Kent No Runner, Kristen Weasel Moccasin, Latisha Crow Chief Dugan Weasel Mocassin, Sonny Delaney and Cindy Russell and many other family members who have gone before us.
We will all miss our daughter, sister, aunty and friend with all our hearts. Our ancestors, family and loved ones will welcome you Home with open arms.
Rest your beautiful, loving spirit Mercedes – you are now at peace.
A candle light vigil will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 5:00 pm at 206 Mayor Magrath Drive N, Lethbridge. A Wake Service will be held at the Old Agency Hall, Blood Reserve on Thursday, October 5 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the Old Agency Hall on Friday, October 6 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in One Spot cemetery.
Click to Send the Family Condolences
NIOKSKASISOYAKI – KSISKANII`TSOOWA`KI
BORN : October 10, 1992
DIED: September 29, 2023
She came into the world in the rain, and she left in those same peaceful droplets. France Mercedes Delaney-Russell leaves to mourn her parents Tom and Sandra, sisters Lenni (Josh) Day Chief, Quincy (Patrick) Yellow Wings and Jaidii (Jacoby) Delaney-Russell, Carol Melting Tallow, Sage Wadsworth, Tressa Yellow Horn, Sam Weasel Moccasin, Skylee Dixon, brothers Brett Weasel Moccasin, John (Harry) Wells, Grandmother Lena Russell, numerous nephews, nieces, and family and relatives on both sides of the border as she makes her journey to be with loved ones who have gone before us.
Mercedes is survived by: Great Uncles Steven Heavy Shields, Jordan Heavy Shields, Oliver Russell, Bruce (Connie) Russell, Sam Day Chief, Mike (Crystal) Day Chief, Jerry Day Chief, Rex Day Chief; Great Aunts: Barbara Tailfeathers, Faye Heavy Shields, Sharon Heavy Shields, Angela Russell, Sylvia Russell, Illona Weasel Moccasin, Bella Day Chief, Agnes Day Chief ; Uncles: Norbert (Cecelia) Black Water, Jim (Joyce) Russell, Karl Russell, Alphonse (Marilyn) Standing Alone, Travis (Veronica) Plaited Hair, Albert (Debbie) Blackwater; Aunts: Norma Russell, Maria Russell, Rose (Delvin) No Runner, Noreen Wolf Child, Joyce Healy; Great Uncles: Steward (Marion) Weasel Moccasin, Andrew Weasel Moccasin; Great-Great Aunt: Rosemarie Tailfeathers, Eve Yellow Old Woman; Great Aunt: Greta (Raymond) Many Bears; Uncles: Julius (Bailey) Delaney, Duayne Delaney, Lloyd (Shirley) Eagle Child; Aunt: Emily Delaney, Louanne (Troy) Many Fingers, Paula (Calvin) Healy, Bonnie Weasel Moccasin, Tammy (Rudy Low Horn) Weasel Moccasin, Tracy Weasel Moccasin, Tina Weasel Moccasin, Tamara Shouting; Adopted Grandmothers: Roseanne Many Fingers, Christine (Roy) Bare Shin Bone.
Mercedes was gifted with a personality that drew people of all ages and backgrounds into her loving circle. Her caring nature drew family, relatives and friends to her as she treated everyone with respect and friendship. As a young girl, Mercedes was often mistaken as someone with an Asian history because of her eyes; it was during those early times where she developed a lifelong love of all things oriental. She became our China doll and she would just laugh whenever references to her features came up. Mercedes loved to travel and with her family they travelled to places including Las Vegas where they walked `The Strip` and to Los Angeles, California, where they thoroughly enjoyed their time spent at Disney Land and Universal Studios. She also travelled with her sister Quincy to Orlando, Florida, where they went to Disney Land. Mercedes travelled with her sister Sage to Taos, New Mexico, and her fondest memory of her trip was when they ate at a local restaurant and a group of Chinese people were seated at a nearby table. While Sage was looking out the window, the waitress told Mercedes `Do you want a chair to sit with your group`. With an embarrassing laugh, she told them she wasn`t a part of the group of Chinese patrons. Mercedes was also a talented jingle dress dancer and together with her sister would hit the powwow trail throughout the summer months.
After receiving a karaoke machine for Christmas, Mercedes developed a love of singing that amazed people wherever she shared her talent. Her beautiful voice soared high with the eagles and gently caressed the sunflowers that swayed in unison with her songs. One of her favorite songs Àve Maria` drew people into the melody from beginning to the end with those hearing her clapping and cheering in enthralled appreciation. During a performance at a karaoke challenge at the Deerfoot Casino in Calgary, even her fellow competitors were bowing and cheering upon hearing her amazing voice.
Despite her many talents and gifts, Mercedes had a vulnerability which eventually overcame the tremendous strength she was blessed with. At an early age, she became dependant on the deadly drugs that eventually prevailed over such a beautiful spirit. She tried her hardest to overcome her addictions by attending the Kapown Rehabilitation Centre in Grouard, AB. She then began her employment with her mentors Jason Abrey, Leslie Wells and Kara Eagle Bear at the Bringing the Spirit Home treatment facility in Stand Off, AB. During this time, Mercedes enrolled in the Addictions Counselling program with Reeves College and proudly graduated after achieving one of her goals. She then transferred to Lethbridge to continue her close association with Jason Abrey in meeting the needs of the many city people trying to overcome their own personal struggles. Along her journey, Dr. Esther Tailfeathers, another of her mentors, truly loved Mercedes and the feeling was mutual. Included as a mentor is Bonnie Weasel Moccasin. As an addictions counsellor, Mercedes offered her expertise and her life experiences in saving the lives of many people struggling with their personal addictions. We, as family members, will never know her struggles and suffering as she tried her best to cope with such powerful addictions. Her mom would plead with her try, try her best to eventually walk on that road, free from her pains. But, ultimately, and toward the end of her life, that choice was hers.
Her nephews Lukan, Kenlan, Ethan, Jacoby Jr. and nieces Dakoda, Carling, Rorii and Eilaya were the love of her life. She completely spoiled them with her unwavering generosity, love and attention as she showered them with laughter, clothes and gifts. `Aunty Moese` became their favorite not just because she took them shopping for clothes, toys and games but it was because of her fun-loving and genuine nature she embraced each of them with. Mercedes hosted sleepovers where they ordered take-out food, made popcorn and watched videos without them worrying about staying up too late. She shared her special day, her birthday, with her nephew Lukan and together became rattle keepers as active members of the Brave Dog Society. She just loved being at the Sundance and never wanted to leave. She always talked about her nephews Bailey and Ashton and niece Taylor and was so happy when both Bailey and Taylor became loving parents. She was so happy for her sister -- gramma Lenni. Mercedes was also an unwitting participant in her mother`s Tiktok videos saying `Yo mom.` Her dad would often tell them to be proud of where they lived and called his girls his `Turnip Hill princesses`.
Mercedes was predeceased by Great Grandparents: Dan & Ada Weasel Moccasin, Eddie & Ada Heavy Shields; Grandparents Wallace & Eleanor Delaney, James Russell Sr.; Adopted Mother: Verna Delaney; Great-Uncles: Cordell Weasel Moccasin, Daniel Weasel Moccasin, Edward Heavy Shields, Herman Heavy Shields, Gordon Heavy Shields, John Heavy Shields; Uncles: Delbert Delaney, Robert Russell, Edmond Wolf Child, Kelsey Wolf Child. Great Aunts: Martina Blood, Julianna Day Chief, Joanne Cross Child, Alva Weasel Moccasin, Jane Davis, Fanny Healy, Charlotte Russell, Evelyn Healy, Mary Heavy Shields; Aunt: Velma Delaney; Cousins: Andre Weasel Moccasin, Cameron Coolidge Russell, Roddy Kent No Runner, Kristen Weasel Moccasin, Latisha Crow Chief Dugan Weasel Mocassin, Sonny Delaney and Cindy Russell and many other family members who have gone before us.
We will all miss our daughter, sister, aunty and friend with all our hearts. Our ancestors, family and loved ones will welcome you Home with open arms.
Rest your beautiful, loving spirit Mercedes – you are now at peace.
A candle light vigil will take place on Wednesday, October 4, 5:00 pm at 206 Mayor Magrath Drive N, Lethbridge. A Wake Service will be held at the Old Agency Hall, Blood Reserve on Thursday, October 5 from 6:00 - 10:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at the Old Agency Hall on Friday, October 6 at 11:00 am. Interment will take place in One Spot cemetery.
Click to Send the Family Condolences