NEDRA JOY FOX – Iikaa’yii’tsansh’kii (Singing from Above)
April 11, 1982 – December 26, 2020
‘No words spoken or written can accurately express the beauty and kindness of Nedra nor how much she will be missed. You had a huge heart made of gold, it shined bright wherever you went and with whoever you were around. It emanated so radiantly that everyone was attracted to you. Your smile was comforting and your laugh contagious. You were selfless in so many ways, and would give all that you had to whoever needed it. You gave so much love to everyone without hesitation. We are all going to miss you so much!’
Nedra was born into the Many Children’s Clan “Akaikiimaiksi” and the Many Tumor’s Clan “Akaiksamaiksi”. Nedra was the baby of the family and it was truly a gift when she arrived. She was born with a very distinct birth mark on her forehead in the shape of an N. This is why she was named Nedra by her Dad. She was born on Easter Sunday that year, so her middle name became Joy. Expressing the joy and happiness to have a beautiful baby girl, a new sister, and another cousin in the family. As a little girl, Nedra was the cutest you could imagine, we always thought she looked like a Little China Doll.
Blessed with a large family, Nedra had a lot of cousins around the same age as her like Leanne, Tim, Katie-Jo, Cheryl, Nikki, Billie-Jo, Tom, Leon, Lyle, Shaun and Arnell. This would always make for a fun and mischievous time on Sunday visits to Grandma Emma’s house or out to Uncle Rick’s. There was lots of playing in the coulee, playing in the basement and playing outside on the trampoline. This is where all her forever memories and tight bonds were made with her cousins.
At a young age, Nedra was very smart. She learned to read early and enjoyed going to school…most of the time. When she wasn’t with her cousins, she would often have her nose in a book. When she was about 9 or 10 years old, she began reading novels beyond her age group. She loved her books about Vampires. When she was young, Mom and Dad asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, and her response was, “a Vampire”. We all had a laugh when she said that. Due to her recent illness, she required blood transfusions, and one day she said, “Gee Robyn, I really am a Vampire now!”
With her family, Nedra did a lot of travelling to many places. There were a lot of opportunities to go camping, with many trips to Montana (Kalispell, Great Falls, Arlee, Missoula, Crow) to Mexico, Las Vegas also to Disney Land in California and to visit family friends -Ritchie, Denise, Mathew and Nicole Matiasz. Nedra loved the water, whether it was the beach in California or the lake in Waterton – if she was near the water, you can bet she was in it!
Nedra grew up and went to school in Cardston, except for one year in High School, when she transferred to Catholic Central High in Lethbridge. She attended one year there, then transferred back to Cardston to graduate grade 12 with her “girls”, Wynetta, Beth, Deanna and Jocelyn. They would all grow to be lifelong friends. Nedra had many other friends while attending High School, College and University. During her time at the University of Lethbridge, she spent one summer working at the U of M in Missoula, Montana with Dr. Linda Eagle Heart doing research on the Health of American Indians of that area and their Traditional Diet and Lifestyle. This was a great experience for her that she shared with Nicole Tailfeathers and others in that program. Nedra was very intelligent and this showed in the work she did and her knowledge and interest in various things. She often said her intelligence was her greatest gift and this was so true.
As an adult, Nedra was able to travel to places on pilgrimage to increase her faith and spirituality. She went to World Youth Day to see the Pope in Toronto with a youth group. Those who journeyed with her on that trip were Mom, Genny, Stephanie, Tim and others from the Reserve and surrounding communities. In 2011 she travelled to Fatima (Portugal) and to Spain on another World Youth Day pilgrimage. This trip proved to be life changing for her as she was able to see the Pope again and make many new friends who shared in this experience. There she met and became spiritual sisters with Shawna Van Uden. Later she also made her Live-In, where she shared her faith with many others who were very fond of her. Of course, there was the yearly pilgrimage to Lac Ste. Anne with her parents, grandparents and family. This too, was a place of healing and growth for Nedra. After Mom passed, she continued to make this journey in her memory.
Nedra was able to experience Blackfoot traditional ways and ceremony. When she was younger she would go with her parents to visit her cousins and Uncle Rick and Sharon at the Sundance. Also, too, later on with the annual Medicine Pipe Bundle openings. Mother was a Ninaamskaa’kii, so Nedra assisted her with this every year that she could. She often participated in sweat lodges and especially loved going with family every July 4th long weekend to Arlee, Montana with Aunt Marge and Danny and Jenny Vollin. This was a way for her to become closer to Creator and spend valuable time with family and friends.
Nedra had a unique bond with all her siblings. But even more so, she held a special place in her heart for all her nieces, nephews and Godchildren. She considered them all to be her children as well. She babysat and helped raise Shawnee, Emma, Mason, Renae and Phoenix. At different times she helped with Blaine, Nigel and Nathan. Then later with her great niece and nephew Julie and Logan. She helped care for her Godson Nigel when he was a baby too. Nedra especially loved and helped care for her cousin Leanne’s children. She brought Kristian along on the family trip to Disneyland one year, definitely a very memorable trip for them both. Of course, she was the special Auntie to Zoe, Shaun Jr., Simone and baby Seth. I’m sure she was like a second Mom for ALL the little ones in her life. She will be remembered as the fun Auntie that let them get away with everything. Nedra often made herself available when the kids needed her, she loved to share in their milestones and accomplishments.
Anyone who knows Nedra and Tim, knows they were always together as children. If their parents weren’t deciding who would babysit, they were making their own plans to be together. They are first cousins but held a bond so close, they became siblings. She was often with their family. At every gathering, every birthday, every holiday and every moment they shared as a family, Nedra was with them. After Nedra graduated from University, she moved to Calgary and stayed with Tim and his family. She worked at two non-profit organizations including a youth shelter and for the disability sector. Nedra carried a kindness that manifested in her professional aspirations. She formed a strong bond with Charm and will be missed dearly by her “niece”.
Nedra lived with her cousin Heather and her three girls: Cassie, Shalyn and Sophia in the Fall of 2006 in Lethbridge for 2 years. During that time, Nedra became a part of their family. Nedra had the profound opportunity to witness Cassie, Shay and Sophia grow every day and loved them as her own children, being a part of their birthdays and seeing them leave to school every day. Sophia, whom Nedra called 'her baby' always had a close relationship with Nedra, and didn't hesitate to spend time with Sophia. Heather and Nedra continued to stay close, and always stayed in contact with each other after Nedra had moved on. Nedra left an immense imprint in their lives and will be forever missed.
Nedra Joy will be missed by family members and friends. Nedge was a fun, loving, loyal daughter, sister and friend. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She also enjoyed going on trips whether it be to the states or to another country. Going camping and of course shopping. She loved reading and cooking and trying out new recipes. Nedra cherished her time with her family and friends. Her beautiful warm loving smile and fun laughter will always be in our hearts. Memories of Nedra will never be forgotten.
Nedra had struggles in life and many crosses that she carried. These seemed to get heavier when Mom passed away and, perhaps, seemingly unbearable when Stephanie left us last year. She loved so deeply, and hurt so deeply too. In this last year Nedra made tremendous changes in her life to increase her mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. January 5, 2021 she would have reached one year of sobriety. It is very fitting that we gather to celebrate her life today, as she was very proud of this accomplishment and was looking forward to this.
If her life was a book you would not be able to put it down…you would read about love, laughter, food, kindness, chaos, sadness, loneliness, grief, healing, hope and most of all JOY! In Nedra’s words- 10 Things That Make Me Happy: 1. Road trips/ drive through the mountains 2. Browsing stores/ shopping, looking at different products 3. Sitting in a hot tub 4. Picking fruit (berries, peaches, apples, carrots from the ground) eating cold sweet seedless watermelon 5. Singing, dancing, having music playing in the shower 6. Springtime, when it starts to warm up 7. Feeling heat from the Sun 8. Making people laugh 9. Eating at restaurants 10. Finding a good book, perusing libraries & book stores. Nedra, we will remember you in all these things, we love you and will miss you immensely!
Nedra is survived by her siblings: Garret (Nadine) Tailfeathers, Rhonda (Robert) Crow, Robyn (Joe) Oka, Tom (Chrissy) Fox, Mackenzie (Spike Jr.) Mistaken Chief, brother-in-law Bill Powell Jr. Also, by her niece’s Shawnee, Shaqeala, Emma, Julie, Marlee, Renae, Miracle and her nephews Blaine, Nigel, Nathan, Jay, Mason, Logan and Phoenix. Also, by her God Parents Genny Solway and Mike Fox. She is predeceased by her parents Gilbert and Bernadette, her sister Stephanie, her paternal grandparents Harvey and Nellie Tailfeathers, her maternal grandparents Stephan Fox Sr., Emma and George Many Feathers. She is also remembered by numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Godchildren and Friends.
A Viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a Family Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. (Due to COVID-19 - A limit of 10 people will be allowed in the building at a time.)
To Send the Family a Condolence please CLICK HERE.
April 11, 1982 – December 26, 2020
‘No words spoken or written can accurately express the beauty and kindness of Nedra nor how much she will be missed. You had a huge heart made of gold, it shined bright wherever you went and with whoever you were around. It emanated so radiantly that everyone was attracted to you. Your smile was comforting and your laugh contagious. You were selfless in so many ways, and would give all that you had to whoever needed it. You gave so much love to everyone without hesitation. We are all going to miss you so much!’
Nedra was born into the Many Children’s Clan “Akaikiimaiksi” and the Many Tumor’s Clan “Akaiksamaiksi”. Nedra was the baby of the family and it was truly a gift when she arrived. She was born with a very distinct birth mark on her forehead in the shape of an N. This is why she was named Nedra by her Dad. She was born on Easter Sunday that year, so her middle name became Joy. Expressing the joy and happiness to have a beautiful baby girl, a new sister, and another cousin in the family. As a little girl, Nedra was the cutest you could imagine, we always thought she looked like a Little China Doll.
Blessed with a large family, Nedra had a lot of cousins around the same age as her like Leanne, Tim, Katie-Jo, Cheryl, Nikki, Billie-Jo, Tom, Leon, Lyle, Shaun and Arnell. This would always make for a fun and mischievous time on Sunday visits to Grandma Emma’s house or out to Uncle Rick’s. There was lots of playing in the coulee, playing in the basement and playing outside on the trampoline. This is where all her forever memories and tight bonds were made with her cousins.
At a young age, Nedra was very smart. She learned to read early and enjoyed going to school…most of the time. When she wasn’t with her cousins, she would often have her nose in a book. When she was about 9 or 10 years old, she began reading novels beyond her age group. She loved her books about Vampires. When she was young, Mom and Dad asked her what she wanted to be when she grew up, and her response was, “a Vampire”. We all had a laugh when she said that. Due to her recent illness, she required blood transfusions, and one day she said, “Gee Robyn, I really am a Vampire now!”
With her family, Nedra did a lot of travelling to many places. There were a lot of opportunities to go camping, with many trips to Montana (Kalispell, Great Falls, Arlee, Missoula, Crow) to Mexico, Las Vegas also to Disney Land in California and to visit family friends -Ritchie, Denise, Mathew and Nicole Matiasz. Nedra loved the water, whether it was the beach in California or the lake in Waterton – if she was near the water, you can bet she was in it!
Nedra grew up and went to school in Cardston, except for one year in High School, when she transferred to Catholic Central High in Lethbridge. She attended one year there, then transferred back to Cardston to graduate grade 12 with her “girls”, Wynetta, Beth, Deanna and Jocelyn. They would all grow to be lifelong friends. Nedra had many other friends while attending High School, College and University. During her time at the University of Lethbridge, she spent one summer working at the U of M in Missoula, Montana with Dr. Linda Eagle Heart doing research on the Health of American Indians of that area and their Traditional Diet and Lifestyle. This was a great experience for her that she shared with Nicole Tailfeathers and others in that program. Nedra was very intelligent and this showed in the work she did and her knowledge and interest in various things. She often said her intelligence was her greatest gift and this was so true.
As an adult, Nedra was able to travel to places on pilgrimage to increase her faith and spirituality. She went to World Youth Day to see the Pope in Toronto with a youth group. Those who journeyed with her on that trip were Mom, Genny, Stephanie, Tim and others from the Reserve and surrounding communities. In 2011 she travelled to Fatima (Portugal) and to Spain on another World Youth Day pilgrimage. This trip proved to be life changing for her as she was able to see the Pope again and make many new friends who shared in this experience. There she met and became spiritual sisters with Shawna Van Uden. Later she also made her Live-In, where she shared her faith with many others who were very fond of her. Of course, there was the yearly pilgrimage to Lac Ste. Anne with her parents, grandparents and family. This too, was a place of healing and growth for Nedra. After Mom passed, she continued to make this journey in her memory.
Nedra was able to experience Blackfoot traditional ways and ceremony. When she was younger she would go with her parents to visit her cousins and Uncle Rick and Sharon at the Sundance. Also, too, later on with the annual Medicine Pipe Bundle openings. Mother was a Ninaamskaa’kii, so Nedra assisted her with this every year that she could. She often participated in sweat lodges and especially loved going with family every July 4th long weekend to Arlee, Montana with Aunt Marge and Danny and Jenny Vollin. This was a way for her to become closer to Creator and spend valuable time with family and friends.
Nedra had a unique bond with all her siblings. But even more so, she held a special place in her heart for all her nieces, nephews and Godchildren. She considered them all to be her children as well. She babysat and helped raise Shawnee, Emma, Mason, Renae and Phoenix. At different times she helped with Blaine, Nigel and Nathan. Then later with her great niece and nephew Julie and Logan. She helped care for her Godson Nigel when he was a baby too. Nedra especially loved and helped care for her cousin Leanne’s children. She brought Kristian along on the family trip to Disneyland one year, definitely a very memorable trip for them both. Of course, she was the special Auntie to Zoe, Shaun Jr., Simone and baby Seth. I’m sure she was like a second Mom for ALL the little ones in her life. She will be remembered as the fun Auntie that let them get away with everything. Nedra often made herself available when the kids needed her, she loved to share in their milestones and accomplishments.
Anyone who knows Nedra and Tim, knows they were always together as children. If their parents weren’t deciding who would babysit, they were making their own plans to be together. They are first cousins but held a bond so close, they became siblings. She was often with their family. At every gathering, every birthday, every holiday and every moment they shared as a family, Nedra was with them. After Nedra graduated from University, she moved to Calgary and stayed with Tim and his family. She worked at two non-profit organizations including a youth shelter and for the disability sector. Nedra carried a kindness that manifested in her professional aspirations. She formed a strong bond with Charm and will be missed dearly by her “niece”.
Nedra lived with her cousin Heather and her three girls: Cassie, Shalyn and Sophia in the Fall of 2006 in Lethbridge for 2 years. During that time, Nedra became a part of their family. Nedra had the profound opportunity to witness Cassie, Shay and Sophia grow every day and loved them as her own children, being a part of their birthdays and seeing them leave to school every day. Sophia, whom Nedra called 'her baby' always had a close relationship with Nedra, and didn't hesitate to spend time with Sophia. Heather and Nedra continued to stay close, and always stayed in contact with each other after Nedra had moved on. Nedra left an immense imprint in their lives and will be forever missed.
Nedra Joy will be missed by family members and friends. Nedge was a fun, loving, loyal daughter, sister and friend. She enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She also enjoyed going on trips whether it be to the states or to another country. Going camping and of course shopping. She loved reading and cooking and trying out new recipes. Nedra cherished her time with her family and friends. Her beautiful warm loving smile and fun laughter will always be in our hearts. Memories of Nedra will never be forgotten.
Nedra had struggles in life and many crosses that she carried. These seemed to get heavier when Mom passed away and, perhaps, seemingly unbearable when Stephanie left us last year. She loved so deeply, and hurt so deeply too. In this last year Nedra made tremendous changes in her life to increase her mental, emotional, physical and spiritual health. January 5, 2021 she would have reached one year of sobriety. It is very fitting that we gather to celebrate her life today, as she was very proud of this accomplishment and was looking forward to this.
If her life was a book you would not be able to put it down…you would read about love, laughter, food, kindness, chaos, sadness, loneliness, grief, healing, hope and most of all JOY! In Nedra’s words- 10 Things That Make Me Happy: 1. Road trips/ drive through the mountains 2. Browsing stores/ shopping, looking at different products 3. Sitting in a hot tub 4. Picking fruit (berries, peaches, apples, carrots from the ground) eating cold sweet seedless watermelon 5. Singing, dancing, having music playing in the shower 6. Springtime, when it starts to warm up 7. Feeling heat from the Sun 8. Making people laugh 9. Eating at restaurants 10. Finding a good book, perusing libraries & book stores. Nedra, we will remember you in all these things, we love you and will miss you immensely!
Nedra is survived by her siblings: Garret (Nadine) Tailfeathers, Rhonda (Robert) Crow, Robyn (Joe) Oka, Tom (Chrissy) Fox, Mackenzie (Spike Jr.) Mistaken Chief, brother-in-law Bill Powell Jr. Also, by her niece’s Shawnee, Shaqeala, Emma, Julie, Marlee, Renae, Miracle and her nephews Blaine, Nigel, Nathan, Jay, Mason, Logan and Phoenix. Also, by her God Parents Genny Solway and Mike Fox. She is predeceased by her parents Gilbert and Bernadette, her sister Stephanie, her paternal grandparents Harvey and Nellie Tailfeathers, her maternal grandparents Stephan Fox Sr., Emma and George Many Feathers. She is also remembered by numerous Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, Godchildren and Friends.
A Viewing will be held at Legacy Funeral Home, Cardston on Tuesday, January 5th, 2021 from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. with a Family Service to follow at 11:00 a.m. (Due to COVID-19 - A limit of 10 people will be allowed in the building at a time.)
To Send the Family a Condolence please CLICK HERE.