Mary Magdeleine Twigg
“Piiktsinaaki”
“As the sun shines and the eagle cries may our dear angel fly high”
Sunrise: September 29, 1941 Sunset: July 12, 2022
With heavy hearts and great sadness, we announce the passing of our dear mother Piiktsinaaki, Mary Magdeleine Twigg at the age of 81 years, on July 12, 2022 at the Lee Crest Continuing Care in Cardston, Alberta surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on September 29, 1941 to her parents the late James Albert & Lucy Rosa Margaret Twigg. Mary is survived by her beautiful children, Lenora (Scotty) Many Fingers, Lester (Beverly) Twigg, Marcel, Lisa, and Chester Twigg. Mary is also survived by her precious grandchildren: Dorothy (Clay), Brian Bottle; Blair, Nicholas (Nitasha), Luke, and Paige (Braden) Many Fingers; Jeff (Lacey), Megan, Nicole (Tom) Twigg; Serenity, Nolan, Joel, Mathew, Aaron, Jared Twigg; Shanelle, Anyah, Cauy, Montana, Xander Twigg; Drae Hunt; Tyrell and Alyssa Twigg, and 40 great grandchildren. Mom is also survived by sister-in-law, Joanne Twigg, and brother-in-law, Donald Big Swallow. Adopted children: Sandra, Merlin, Brian, Dennis, Robert Twigg and Sally (Homer) English; Pat (Delia) Twigg, Monica (Eric) Plaited Hair, Collette, Lucille, Albert and Curtis (Lisa) Big Swallow; Marsha Twigg-Eagle Child; Jim (Darlene), Deanna, Charlene, Jackie & Floyd Plume, Rex and Clifford ‘Butch’ Twigg; Christine (Wayne) Davis, Margaret Rose (Marvin) Bevans, Dewey Hind Bull; Verdun (Pat) Morning Owl; Mae Rose, Valentina, Raylene, Olin, Vernon & Faye Young Pine; Vanessa Mountain Horse, Carolyn, Geraldine, Bernadette, Annette, Wayne, Clayton & Spic Twigg; Andrea & Liz Twigg; Sandra (Tom), Julius, Emily, & Duane Delaney, Susan & Tracy Weasel Moccasin, Travis Plaited Hair; Charlene Brown Weasel,Andrew Weasel Moccasin & Greta (Raymond) Many Bears.
Mary loved all her nieces and nephews, as she babysat most of them and wanted to always be available to them in good times and bad. Mom used to say I really love all my nieces & nephews, I see my brothers & sisters in every one of them. You would hear it in her voice and see it in her eyes each time she seen them.
Mom’s extended grandchildren include Jamie, Cory Twigg, Trisha (Brett) & Miranda Mountain Horse. Robin Lee (Corbin) Twigg, Crystal, Homer Jr (Tressa) English, & Troy Delaney, including all her great nieces/nephews. Mom had many more adopted children/grandchildren but just know she loved so many of you and she knew she was loved by many. She would say whenever I need something I just have to call so & so and they drop it off.
Mom’s beautiful cousin Rosemarie Tailfeathers is now the oldest member of the Mukka Clan, whom mom spoke fondly of many times. Mom was especially close to her nephew, Stewart (Marion) Weasel Moccasin; cousins Barbara Scout; Jackie Bromley; Cecelia (Norbert) Black Water, Florine Whiteman Left and Veronica Eagle Bear; Carol & Roland Cotton; Ruby Eagle Child; Carolla Bruised Head, Catherine Sweet Grass; Jennifer (Albert) Rabbit. Mom was also very close to Sadie Wadsworth & family.
Piiktsinaaki was very proud of her name as it was given to her by her auntie Pookanaatsinam (Mary Chief Calf) after mom survived Meningitis at a very young age. Mom said that she was very sick at home and her dad instructed two of his sons to go get the medicine man. So during a blizzard the two ventured out and when they got to the medicine man’s place, he was already waiting for them. The medicine man doctored mom. After a few days of doctoring her, mom woke up and sat up wanting water and food. Pookanaatsinam noticed how thin and frail she was and said this one we will call her Piiktsinaaki, she will grow to be very old. Mom often spoke of this time of her life.
Mary became the matriarch and the main pillar to the extended families of the decedents of James and Lucy Twigg. Special extended families include: Ruth Wings; Ada & Dan Sr. Weasel Moccasin, Frank & Annie Cotton, Billy & Margaret Eagle Bear, Ruth & Jim Bottle, Ed & Marion Calf Robe, Albert & Mary Chief Calf, Emil & Maggie Wings Sr.
Mary was raised on the Twigg ranch in Headquarters on the Blood Reserve; she also resided in Lethbridge, AB for several years; and at the time of her passing at Lee Crest Continuing Care, Cardston, Alberta. Mary was a residential school survivor, she left St. Mary’s at the age of 15 years with a grade nine education and in 1990, she went on to complete her upgrading at the Lethbridge Community College. Mary was an avid basketball superstar, she also excelled in several other sports. Mary’s employment history included being a homemaker, doing odd jobs in Cardston AB, she was an Elder volunteer at Opokaa’sin and Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society, a counselor at Blackfoot Family Lodge, and she was a member of the Nord-Bridge Senior Center in Lethbridge AB. While at the Blackfoot Lodge, formerly Lethbridge Native Transition Home, she was a counsellor and made good friends with the women & staff.
Mary was the definition of Love, humbleness, humility, empathy, compassion, and strength. Mary’s smile and hug would melt away any pain or sadness; her presence was received with open arms during family barbeques, funerals, celebrations, holidays and family visits. Mary was the bedside caregiver when a family member was sick in the hospital; everyone depended on her for this.
Mom always looked forward to our annual Circle camp. She supported her family members at the annual Sundance and was very proud to have family members involved in any one of the societies. She took honour in cooking for them, helping in any way that she can and prayed for every one of us. When the annual Kainai Indian Days would come around mom would want to be there to watch the competitions, & visit friends and family.
Mom was known as the family’s undefeated fry bread queen. Her amazing, melt on your taste buds, fluffy and not greasy fry bread were the yummiest. She later passed down her title to several nieces: Dorothy, Delores, Lucille, and Angie. Mary’s hobbies included being with family and friends, playing & yelling B-I-N-G-O! And playing cards. She was the Skip Bo Queen as she never turned down a game of Skip Bo. Mom and Grandma’s greatest attribute was her love for everyone. The amazing gratitude she expressed when she received gifts, a medium-two creams coffee with apple fritter donut from Tim Hortons, or a pack of cigarettes, made her day a whole lot brighter. Surprisingly, mom loved watching & cheering on the Toronto Raptors basketball games on TV. She was spontaneous at times just like Auntie Ruth Wings, they both made life so enjoyable and were like two peas in a pod.
Mary is reunited with her beloved parents James & Lucy Twigg. Her dearest children, Alvin, Anita, Tracy Twigg. Siblings: James (Celina), Albert (Philomena), Eugene (Evelyn), Andrew, and Baby Boy Twigg. Sisters: Margaret (Morris) Hind Bull, Ada (Dan Sr.) Weasel Moccasin, Beatrice Big Swallow, Theresa (Dean) Plume, Kathleen (Raymond) Young Pine. Annie, Rosa, Mary, and Virginia Twigg. Grand-Children: Leslie Bottle, Ty Lane Twigg and Seth Thomas Casey Twigg, Baby Mary Twigg-Wenger, Lacey Nicole Twigg and several cherished nieces and nephews.
Mom was diagnosed with Cancer in February 2022, due to her age it was untreatable, and she survived longer than expected by the doctor. The family would like to thank the staff at Lee Crest Community Care facility, her fellow residents and a heartfelt thank you to Leah Eagle Speaker for the wonderful care & affection shown to mom Piiktsinaaki. The family apologizes for any names unintentionally left out.
The Wake Service will be at White Calf Hall, Stand Off on Monday, July 18, 2022 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 11:00 am with Father Pawel Andrasz officiating. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery.
Click to Send the Family a Condolence
“Piiktsinaaki”
“As the sun shines and the eagle cries may our dear angel fly high”
Sunrise: September 29, 1941 Sunset: July 12, 2022
With heavy hearts and great sadness, we announce the passing of our dear mother Piiktsinaaki, Mary Magdeleine Twigg at the age of 81 years, on July 12, 2022 at the Lee Crest Continuing Care in Cardston, Alberta surrounded by her loving family. Mary was born on September 29, 1941 to her parents the late James Albert & Lucy Rosa Margaret Twigg. Mary is survived by her beautiful children, Lenora (Scotty) Many Fingers, Lester (Beverly) Twigg, Marcel, Lisa, and Chester Twigg. Mary is also survived by her precious grandchildren: Dorothy (Clay), Brian Bottle; Blair, Nicholas (Nitasha), Luke, and Paige (Braden) Many Fingers; Jeff (Lacey), Megan, Nicole (Tom) Twigg; Serenity, Nolan, Joel, Mathew, Aaron, Jared Twigg; Shanelle, Anyah, Cauy, Montana, Xander Twigg; Drae Hunt; Tyrell and Alyssa Twigg, and 40 great grandchildren. Mom is also survived by sister-in-law, Joanne Twigg, and brother-in-law, Donald Big Swallow. Adopted children: Sandra, Merlin, Brian, Dennis, Robert Twigg and Sally (Homer) English; Pat (Delia) Twigg, Monica (Eric) Plaited Hair, Collette, Lucille, Albert and Curtis (Lisa) Big Swallow; Marsha Twigg-Eagle Child; Jim (Darlene), Deanna, Charlene, Jackie & Floyd Plume, Rex and Clifford ‘Butch’ Twigg; Christine (Wayne) Davis, Margaret Rose (Marvin) Bevans, Dewey Hind Bull; Verdun (Pat) Morning Owl; Mae Rose, Valentina, Raylene, Olin, Vernon & Faye Young Pine; Vanessa Mountain Horse, Carolyn, Geraldine, Bernadette, Annette, Wayne, Clayton & Spic Twigg; Andrea & Liz Twigg; Sandra (Tom), Julius, Emily, & Duane Delaney, Susan & Tracy Weasel Moccasin, Travis Plaited Hair; Charlene Brown Weasel,Andrew Weasel Moccasin & Greta (Raymond) Many Bears.
Mary loved all her nieces and nephews, as she babysat most of them and wanted to always be available to them in good times and bad. Mom used to say I really love all my nieces & nephews, I see my brothers & sisters in every one of them. You would hear it in her voice and see it in her eyes each time she seen them.
Mom’s extended grandchildren include Jamie, Cory Twigg, Trisha (Brett) & Miranda Mountain Horse. Robin Lee (Corbin) Twigg, Crystal, Homer Jr (Tressa) English, & Troy Delaney, including all her great nieces/nephews. Mom had many more adopted children/grandchildren but just know she loved so many of you and she knew she was loved by many. She would say whenever I need something I just have to call so & so and they drop it off.
Mom’s beautiful cousin Rosemarie Tailfeathers is now the oldest member of the Mukka Clan, whom mom spoke fondly of many times. Mom was especially close to her nephew, Stewart (Marion) Weasel Moccasin; cousins Barbara Scout; Jackie Bromley; Cecelia (Norbert) Black Water, Florine Whiteman Left and Veronica Eagle Bear; Carol & Roland Cotton; Ruby Eagle Child; Carolla Bruised Head, Catherine Sweet Grass; Jennifer (Albert) Rabbit. Mom was also very close to Sadie Wadsworth & family.
Piiktsinaaki was very proud of her name as it was given to her by her auntie Pookanaatsinam (Mary Chief Calf) after mom survived Meningitis at a very young age. Mom said that she was very sick at home and her dad instructed two of his sons to go get the medicine man. So during a blizzard the two ventured out and when they got to the medicine man’s place, he was already waiting for them. The medicine man doctored mom. After a few days of doctoring her, mom woke up and sat up wanting water and food. Pookanaatsinam noticed how thin and frail she was and said this one we will call her Piiktsinaaki, she will grow to be very old. Mom often spoke of this time of her life.
Mary became the matriarch and the main pillar to the extended families of the decedents of James and Lucy Twigg. Special extended families include: Ruth Wings; Ada & Dan Sr. Weasel Moccasin, Frank & Annie Cotton, Billy & Margaret Eagle Bear, Ruth & Jim Bottle, Ed & Marion Calf Robe, Albert & Mary Chief Calf, Emil & Maggie Wings Sr.
Mary was raised on the Twigg ranch in Headquarters on the Blood Reserve; she also resided in Lethbridge, AB for several years; and at the time of her passing at Lee Crest Continuing Care, Cardston, Alberta. Mary was a residential school survivor, she left St. Mary’s at the age of 15 years with a grade nine education and in 1990, she went on to complete her upgrading at the Lethbridge Community College. Mary was an avid basketball superstar, she also excelled in several other sports. Mary’s employment history included being a homemaker, doing odd jobs in Cardston AB, she was an Elder volunteer at Opokaa’sin and Sik-Ooh-Kotoki Friendship Society, a counselor at Blackfoot Family Lodge, and she was a member of the Nord-Bridge Senior Center in Lethbridge AB. While at the Blackfoot Lodge, formerly Lethbridge Native Transition Home, she was a counsellor and made good friends with the women & staff.
Mary was the definition of Love, humbleness, humility, empathy, compassion, and strength. Mary’s smile and hug would melt away any pain or sadness; her presence was received with open arms during family barbeques, funerals, celebrations, holidays and family visits. Mary was the bedside caregiver when a family member was sick in the hospital; everyone depended on her for this.
Mom always looked forward to our annual Circle camp. She supported her family members at the annual Sundance and was very proud to have family members involved in any one of the societies. She took honour in cooking for them, helping in any way that she can and prayed for every one of us. When the annual Kainai Indian Days would come around mom would want to be there to watch the competitions, & visit friends and family.
Mom was known as the family’s undefeated fry bread queen. Her amazing, melt on your taste buds, fluffy and not greasy fry bread were the yummiest. She later passed down her title to several nieces: Dorothy, Delores, Lucille, and Angie. Mary’s hobbies included being with family and friends, playing & yelling B-I-N-G-O! And playing cards. She was the Skip Bo Queen as she never turned down a game of Skip Bo. Mom and Grandma’s greatest attribute was her love for everyone. The amazing gratitude she expressed when she received gifts, a medium-two creams coffee with apple fritter donut from Tim Hortons, or a pack of cigarettes, made her day a whole lot brighter. Surprisingly, mom loved watching & cheering on the Toronto Raptors basketball games on TV. She was spontaneous at times just like Auntie Ruth Wings, they both made life so enjoyable and were like two peas in a pod.
Mary is reunited with her beloved parents James & Lucy Twigg. Her dearest children, Alvin, Anita, Tracy Twigg. Siblings: James (Celina), Albert (Philomena), Eugene (Evelyn), Andrew, and Baby Boy Twigg. Sisters: Margaret (Morris) Hind Bull, Ada (Dan Sr.) Weasel Moccasin, Beatrice Big Swallow, Theresa (Dean) Plume, Kathleen (Raymond) Young Pine. Annie, Rosa, Mary, and Virginia Twigg. Grand-Children: Leslie Bottle, Ty Lane Twigg and Seth Thomas Casey Twigg, Baby Mary Twigg-Wenger, Lacey Nicole Twigg and several cherished nieces and nephews.
Mom was diagnosed with Cancer in February 2022, due to her age it was untreatable, and she survived longer than expected by the doctor. The family would like to thank the staff at Lee Crest Community Care facility, her fellow residents and a heartfelt thank you to Leah Eagle Speaker for the wonderful care & affection shown to mom Piiktsinaaki. The family apologizes for any names unintentionally left out.
The Wake Service will be at White Calf Hall, Stand Off on Monday, July 18, 2022 from 7:00 - 11:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Blood Reserve on Tuesday, July 19, 2022 at 11:00 am with Father Pawel Andrasz officiating. Interment to follow at Blood Band Cemetery.
Click to Send the Family a Condolence