Connie Marie Fox
Natonamayakii (Holy Gun Woman)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and sister on September 1, 2025 on the Blood Reserve, AB at the age of 62 years. Connie leaves to mourn her beloved children; Tim, Brian and Eva (Lukas) and her grandchildren; Charm, Riley, Moby, Taylee, Adonis, Tsiwakii, Martina, Ashford, Zoelie, Gina, Claycee, Patrice, Neimah, Ny and daughter in law; Dawn Fox
Connie was born on August 16, 1963 in Cardston, Alberta to her parents Virginia Mills and Jimmy Chief Calf. After the passing of her mother Virginia, Connie was raised by her aunt and uncle Gordon and Loretta Many Fingers and she grew up with her siblings on the family ranch.
Connie got her Class 2 drivers license and joined the family bus operations where she drove the children to Lavern School. Gordon and Loretta were also there to give Connie and Mike their blessings on their wedding day. She was supported and encouraged by her aunt and uncle to complete her post secondary education. They were sure proud of Connie when she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Lethbridge. Connie loved her aunt and uncle, and they loved her too. She never failed to be there for them, and they had many good times together. Many funny stories could be told of their times together.
In her extensive work history, Connie held supervisory and manager positions at Native Counselling Services of Alberta, South Region Child and Family Services, Calgary Accessible Housing, Siksika Child and Family Services and In From the Cold.
With her strong background and extensive knowledge and experience working with First Nation communities in child intervention services, Connie became the successful applicant to be Manager of Blood Tribe Child Protection Services. Under her guidance and supervision, Connie led the service process as legislated by the Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and regulations and in accordance with Delegated First Nations Agreement Protocol. She was a strong advocate for Blood Tribe children and families to the Ministry of Children Services and regional offices. She networked and collaborated with partners and stakeholders and community organizations to promote community-based services for children and families. Connie worked with a strong diverse team of delegated workers. She was very supportive of her staff to ensure service delivery to Blood Tribe children and families. Connie made a significant contribution and served her community well.
Connie’s love and concern for the wellbeing of her family and friends, carried on into her role as the Matriarch of the family. She was our nurturer, protector, advocate, advisor, counsellor, nurse, and support system in whatever circumstances we experienced. We cannot say enough of Connie as she was everything to us. She did not hesitate to help out. She delegated roles and responsibilities to the family and even though at times we did not like her “bossyness”. But no, we had to do what she asked us to do, because if we didn’t, she would step up and complete the task. Then she say, “Siyikotsasii” (unable), it wasn’t that hard to do.”
Connie had a unique relationship as “auntie mom” to the children. She was our “disciplinarian” and she did her job well. If she heard bad words coming out of the boy’s mouth, she did not hesitate to wash their mouth with soap. A lesson learned. Connie acknowledged every one of her nieces and nephews with love and concern. She encouraged them to make the right decisions. She would ask about them if she didn’t see them for awhile. Connie enjoyed supporting the boys in their hockey career. She looked forward to attending the Treaty 7 hockey games. She always had something positive to say to them and she would leave them with a hug and a funny story to part their ways.
In her own family life, Connie loved her children with all her heart. She was never short of telling a story about what they were doing and how they were doing. She loved her daughter Eva very much and her sons meant the world to her. She was elated with joy when her grandchildren were born. She was a proud gramma.
As far back as I can remember my mom would spend hours on the phone with my brother Tim updating him on Brian`s basketball games or other shenanigans he was getting into. She`d also be telling him about what I was doing in school, who my new friends were, what plans we had for that up coming weekend and when she wanted to go see him. Lately my mom would tell me and Brian to stop reacting to things that we could not control, such as things not working out for us. She especially didn’t like us fighting over her, she left us so many teachings combined with so much unconditional love. Her teachings reflect in how my siblings, my children and I treat others, because everything we are, came from my mom. She was compassionate and she knew how to love people from all walks of life. Her fearless and spur of the moment agenda always kept Gina and I on our toes. I remember times we`d be looking at each other while overhearing her talk on the phone with family or my brothers and she would say something like “l will bring the girls, they can help!”. My mom was truly everyone’s mom; I have never met someone so patient and understanding. Some days I would be frustrated for her because she was always so forgiving, loving and encouraging, even when people hurt her. It was hard for me to accept anyone into my life because of how mad I`d feel for my mom. As hard as its going to be not having her around, her love and patience has encouraged me to work on my own shortcomings. I really hope I can learn to love the way she loved. I once asked my mom why she was so forgiving and supportive to people who would hurt her and she told me “I am this way, because if I hurt someone, it won’t come back to me directly. Later in life it will come on my kids, and I always worry about you kids, so I try hard to be loving, forgiving and understanding so that you will all be taken care of when I’m gone. We all need to protect one another because the world is hard on young native families”. My favorite alone time with my mom was our long drives while Gina would be sleeping in the back. I would ask many questions about family relationships, school, work and her past. We would talk for hours, and sometimes the stories she told broke my heart. I would lean on her arm while she drove, and tears would be rolling down my face onto her arm. My mom would then tell me “I’m not telling you these stories if they are gong to hurt you” and I would beg her to keep going, because after every heart break there was a story full of light and love. I felt the strength she had in her heart and presence. It`s hard to explain, but I felt healed and I’m going to miss that feeling after hearing all her phenomenal stories. I`ve listened to my mom`s stories 100 times and she would say “Eva, I`m only telling you because your asking questions and mom will always tell you the truth”. She would then tell me not to lie about anything or to her about anything because it would hurt me in the end. Out of everyone in the world, my mom was my protector, and she did it by being my truth. Lately my mom was very domestic, and it was odd to me because growing up she always had someone come over to clean or cook for us due to her work life. During her last days she would be cleaning and cooking, and when I would get home everything would done. My kids would be at the table eating dinner and telling stories with her. When I walked in from a long day my daughter would say “holy mama grandma really rushed us to clean up before you got home! we were all running around and cleaning so that you could just come home and relax”. Now, as adults we remember laying on the couch being lazy then hearing my mom’s car door shut. Whoever was standing up would rush to do the dishes or rush to take out the garbage. Whoever was laying on the couch would pretend to be sleeping. Of course, we if didn’t clean and we`d be scared when we heard her come home because we knew we`d be in trouble.
Mom use to tell us stories of her friends and a few of them we were there for, we took all of her friends as adopted aunties and uncles Brandy Standing Alone, Kristen First Rider, Toby Wadsworth, Shawn Heavyrunner, Slim Davis, BJ Littlebear, Ronnie Good striker, Kieth shade, Rudy heavy shields, Delray Wadsworth, Alvin Heavyrunner and Mikki Littlebear who all referred to her as Con the dancing queen, My mom loved to dance Karaoke dress up with the best makeup and coolest clothes to go out and laugh with friends when she could. People say they could hear her contagious her laugh from anywhere in the room and that you can always tell that Connie was in the building.
Connie was friendly and had a outgoing personality. She had many lasting friendships; young and old. In her leisure time, Connie enjoyed listening to her classic country music and powwow songs. She would often play her fathers CD Old Agency Drum Group. She and her sister/cousins made their rounds to attend hand game tournaments and come home with bragging rights of winning a hand game tournament. She enjoyed family dinners where she would often take over the cooking to ensure a delicious meal was served.
Connie lived her life to the fullest. She lives behind a rich legacy of her love for her family, community and her work with children. She will be remembered for the significant contributions she made to the community. Mom lived her life as a quiet but powerful example of kindness, and compassion. She carried those values as daily acts—whether through the warmth of her smile, the generosity of her care, or the unwavering support she offered to everyone blessed to know her. She encouraged others in everything they did, uplifted them in their struggles, and always believed in the strength of love as the greatest gift one can give. Her life is measured by the countless hearts she touched. To her family, she was a constant source of guidance and strength, and to her friends and community, she was someone whose presence made the world gentler. For her children, she instilled in us the importance of walking with humility, meeting others with respect, and giving without expectation. Her legacy will live on in every act of kindness we choose, in every moment of compassion we share, and in every quiet reminder to love generously. She was, and remains, the kind of person we all hope to become. Connie is survived by her brothers, Alvin Jake Mills, Colin, Dick (Melanie), Marvin (Trina),and her sisters Audrey, sister- in- law Terry Many Grey Horses, Cheryl (Lewis) Beebe, her aunts; Evelyn (Andrew), and uncles Randy (Doreen) and Edward Mills she was close to; Carolla Bruised Head, Carma Chief Calf, Lena Small Legs, Joanne Healy, Catherine Sweet Grass, Jennifer Rabbit and nieces Suzy MF and Leslie WC Nephews Josh Weaselhead, Braden Veille.
Predeceased by her father, Jimmy Chief Calf and mother Virginia Mills, her parents Gordon and Loretta Many Fingers her twin sister Bonnie, Anita (Wabby), Theresa Mary, Bernice White Man Left and Wanda Many Guns. Her brother Jimmy Mills, and Derrick Tall Man brothers; Lloyd (Bernice), Calvert and Lindsey Many Fingers. Her paternal grandparents Albert and Mary Chief calf, maternal grandparents Buster and Eva Mills, uncle John Chief, Richard, Delbert, Christopher, Franco and Iver Mills.Her aunts; Maude Bottle, Helen Eagle Tailfeathers and Irene McHugh. maternal aunts; Theresa, Liza, Gloria (Gerald Shade), Edith, Mary Rose (Herbert) Many Fingers, Rose Marie Mills.
Extended families include; Knives, Eagle Tailfeathers, McHugh, Twiggs, Young Pine, Hind Bulls, Big Swallows, Weasel Moccasins, Brewers, Russell, Spear Chief, Good Riders, SBS,
We apologize for any names that we have missed, Connie comes a very large family and loved everyone.
A Wake Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Monday, September 8 from 6:00 – 10:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church on Tuesday, September 9 at 11:00 am. The interment will follow in Pioneer Cemetery, Levern, AB.
Natonamayakii (Holy Gun Woman)
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother, grandmother, aunt and sister on September 1, 2025 on the Blood Reserve, AB at the age of 62 years. Connie leaves to mourn her beloved children; Tim, Brian and Eva (Lukas) and her grandchildren; Charm, Riley, Moby, Taylee, Adonis, Tsiwakii, Martina, Ashford, Zoelie, Gina, Claycee, Patrice, Neimah, Ny and daughter in law; Dawn Fox
Connie was born on August 16, 1963 in Cardston, Alberta to her parents Virginia Mills and Jimmy Chief Calf. After the passing of her mother Virginia, Connie was raised by her aunt and uncle Gordon and Loretta Many Fingers and she grew up with her siblings on the family ranch.
Connie got her Class 2 drivers license and joined the family bus operations where she drove the children to Lavern School. Gordon and Loretta were also there to give Connie and Mike their blessings on their wedding day. She was supported and encouraged by her aunt and uncle to complete her post secondary education. They were sure proud of Connie when she graduated with her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of Lethbridge. Connie loved her aunt and uncle, and they loved her too. She never failed to be there for them, and they had many good times together. Many funny stories could be told of their times together.
In her extensive work history, Connie held supervisory and manager positions at Native Counselling Services of Alberta, South Region Child and Family Services, Calgary Accessible Housing, Siksika Child and Family Services and In From the Cold.
With her strong background and extensive knowledge and experience working with First Nation communities in child intervention services, Connie became the successful applicant to be Manager of Blood Tribe Child Protection Services. Under her guidance and supervision, Connie led the service process as legislated by the Alberta Child, Youth and Family Enhancement Act and regulations and in accordance with Delegated First Nations Agreement Protocol. She was a strong advocate for Blood Tribe children and families to the Ministry of Children Services and regional offices. She networked and collaborated with partners and stakeholders and community organizations to promote community-based services for children and families. Connie worked with a strong diverse team of delegated workers. She was very supportive of her staff to ensure service delivery to Blood Tribe children and families. Connie made a significant contribution and served her community well.
Connie’s love and concern for the wellbeing of her family and friends, carried on into her role as the Matriarch of the family. She was our nurturer, protector, advocate, advisor, counsellor, nurse, and support system in whatever circumstances we experienced. We cannot say enough of Connie as she was everything to us. She did not hesitate to help out. She delegated roles and responsibilities to the family and even though at times we did not like her “bossyness”. But no, we had to do what she asked us to do, because if we didn’t, she would step up and complete the task. Then she say, “Siyikotsasii” (unable), it wasn’t that hard to do.”
Connie had a unique relationship as “auntie mom” to the children. She was our “disciplinarian” and she did her job well. If she heard bad words coming out of the boy’s mouth, she did not hesitate to wash their mouth with soap. A lesson learned. Connie acknowledged every one of her nieces and nephews with love and concern. She encouraged them to make the right decisions. She would ask about them if she didn’t see them for awhile. Connie enjoyed supporting the boys in their hockey career. She looked forward to attending the Treaty 7 hockey games. She always had something positive to say to them and she would leave them with a hug and a funny story to part their ways.
In her own family life, Connie loved her children with all her heart. She was never short of telling a story about what they were doing and how they were doing. She loved her daughter Eva very much and her sons meant the world to her. She was elated with joy when her grandchildren were born. She was a proud gramma.
As far back as I can remember my mom would spend hours on the phone with my brother Tim updating him on Brian`s basketball games or other shenanigans he was getting into. She`d also be telling him about what I was doing in school, who my new friends were, what plans we had for that up coming weekend and when she wanted to go see him. Lately my mom would tell me and Brian to stop reacting to things that we could not control, such as things not working out for us. She especially didn’t like us fighting over her, she left us so many teachings combined with so much unconditional love. Her teachings reflect in how my siblings, my children and I treat others, because everything we are, came from my mom. She was compassionate and she knew how to love people from all walks of life. Her fearless and spur of the moment agenda always kept Gina and I on our toes. I remember times we`d be looking at each other while overhearing her talk on the phone with family or my brothers and she would say something like “l will bring the girls, they can help!”. My mom was truly everyone’s mom; I have never met someone so patient and understanding. Some days I would be frustrated for her because she was always so forgiving, loving and encouraging, even when people hurt her. It was hard for me to accept anyone into my life because of how mad I`d feel for my mom. As hard as its going to be not having her around, her love and patience has encouraged me to work on my own shortcomings. I really hope I can learn to love the way she loved. I once asked my mom why she was so forgiving and supportive to people who would hurt her and she told me “I am this way, because if I hurt someone, it won’t come back to me directly. Later in life it will come on my kids, and I always worry about you kids, so I try hard to be loving, forgiving and understanding so that you will all be taken care of when I’m gone. We all need to protect one another because the world is hard on young native families”. My favorite alone time with my mom was our long drives while Gina would be sleeping in the back. I would ask many questions about family relationships, school, work and her past. We would talk for hours, and sometimes the stories she told broke my heart. I would lean on her arm while she drove, and tears would be rolling down my face onto her arm. My mom would then tell me “I’m not telling you these stories if they are gong to hurt you” and I would beg her to keep going, because after every heart break there was a story full of light and love. I felt the strength she had in her heart and presence. It`s hard to explain, but I felt healed and I’m going to miss that feeling after hearing all her phenomenal stories. I`ve listened to my mom`s stories 100 times and she would say “Eva, I`m only telling you because your asking questions and mom will always tell you the truth”. She would then tell me not to lie about anything or to her about anything because it would hurt me in the end. Out of everyone in the world, my mom was my protector, and she did it by being my truth. Lately my mom was very domestic, and it was odd to me because growing up she always had someone come over to clean or cook for us due to her work life. During her last days she would be cleaning and cooking, and when I would get home everything would done. My kids would be at the table eating dinner and telling stories with her. When I walked in from a long day my daughter would say “holy mama grandma really rushed us to clean up before you got home! we were all running around and cleaning so that you could just come home and relax”. Now, as adults we remember laying on the couch being lazy then hearing my mom’s car door shut. Whoever was standing up would rush to do the dishes or rush to take out the garbage. Whoever was laying on the couch would pretend to be sleeping. Of course, we if didn’t clean and we`d be scared when we heard her come home because we knew we`d be in trouble.
Mom use to tell us stories of her friends and a few of them we were there for, we took all of her friends as adopted aunties and uncles Brandy Standing Alone, Kristen First Rider, Toby Wadsworth, Shawn Heavyrunner, Slim Davis, BJ Littlebear, Ronnie Good striker, Kieth shade, Rudy heavy shields, Delray Wadsworth, Alvin Heavyrunner and Mikki Littlebear who all referred to her as Con the dancing queen, My mom loved to dance Karaoke dress up with the best makeup and coolest clothes to go out and laugh with friends when she could. People say they could hear her contagious her laugh from anywhere in the room and that you can always tell that Connie was in the building.
Connie was friendly and had a outgoing personality. She had many lasting friendships; young and old. In her leisure time, Connie enjoyed listening to her classic country music and powwow songs. She would often play her fathers CD Old Agency Drum Group. She and her sister/cousins made their rounds to attend hand game tournaments and come home with bragging rights of winning a hand game tournament. She enjoyed family dinners where she would often take over the cooking to ensure a delicious meal was served.
Connie lived her life to the fullest. She lives behind a rich legacy of her love for her family, community and her work with children. She will be remembered for the significant contributions she made to the community. Mom lived her life as a quiet but powerful example of kindness, and compassion. She carried those values as daily acts—whether through the warmth of her smile, the generosity of her care, or the unwavering support she offered to everyone blessed to know her. She encouraged others in everything they did, uplifted them in their struggles, and always believed in the strength of love as the greatest gift one can give. Her life is measured by the countless hearts she touched. To her family, she was a constant source of guidance and strength, and to her friends and community, she was someone whose presence made the world gentler. For her children, she instilled in us the importance of walking with humility, meeting others with respect, and giving without expectation. Her legacy will live on in every act of kindness we choose, in every moment of compassion we share, and in every quiet reminder to love generously. She was, and remains, the kind of person we all hope to become. Connie is survived by her brothers, Alvin Jake Mills, Colin, Dick (Melanie), Marvin (Trina),and her sisters Audrey, sister- in- law Terry Many Grey Horses, Cheryl (Lewis) Beebe, her aunts; Evelyn (Andrew), and uncles Randy (Doreen) and Edward Mills she was close to; Carolla Bruised Head, Carma Chief Calf, Lena Small Legs, Joanne Healy, Catherine Sweet Grass, Jennifer Rabbit and nieces Suzy MF and Leslie WC Nephews Josh Weaselhead, Braden Veille.
Predeceased by her father, Jimmy Chief Calf and mother Virginia Mills, her parents Gordon and Loretta Many Fingers her twin sister Bonnie, Anita (Wabby), Theresa Mary, Bernice White Man Left and Wanda Many Guns. Her brother Jimmy Mills, and Derrick Tall Man brothers; Lloyd (Bernice), Calvert and Lindsey Many Fingers. Her paternal grandparents Albert and Mary Chief calf, maternal grandparents Buster and Eva Mills, uncle John Chief, Richard, Delbert, Christopher, Franco and Iver Mills.Her aunts; Maude Bottle, Helen Eagle Tailfeathers and Irene McHugh. maternal aunts; Theresa, Liza, Gloria (Gerald Shade), Edith, Mary Rose (Herbert) Many Fingers, Rose Marie Mills.
Extended families include; Knives, Eagle Tailfeathers, McHugh, Twiggs, Young Pine, Hind Bulls, Big Swallows, Weasel Moccasins, Brewers, Russell, Spear Chief, Good Riders, SBS,
We apologize for any names that we have missed, Connie comes a very large family and loved everyone.
A Wake Service will be held at Senator Gladstone Hall, Blood Reserve on Monday, September 8 from 6:00 – 10:00 pm. The Funeral Service will be held at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Church on Tuesday, September 9 at 11:00 am. The interment will follow in Pioneer Cemetery, Levern, AB.