Delphine Small Eyes – Ksitoyiitsima (Forgotten Woman), age 73, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and resilience. Born on June 7, 1952, at the Blood Indian Hospital to Alfreda (Adam) Delaney and Lester Heavy Runner, Delphine was surrounded by a large and loving family. She is predeceased by her beloved parents, George and Rosie Small Eyes, her late siblings Wilmar Adam (Sonny D) Delaney, Brian Buckskin, and Pearline Heavy Runner, and her cherished children, Lenard Small Eyes-Brave Rock, Deana Small Eyes, granddaughter Nicole Small Eyes, grandson Lenny Brave Rock, and Great granddaughter Willow. Delphine is predeceased by her aunts Beatrice (Joe) Shouting; Molly and Tereasa Small Eyes; Uncles Frank; Francis and George (Sam) Small Eyes; Thomas; Charlie (Irene) and Herbert (Louise) Bull Shields.
She is survived by her children, Yolanda Brave Rock, Patrick Small Eyes, Carson Small Eyes, and Alfreda Small Eyes, along with her siblings Micheal Delaney; Kenny (Bonita) Small Eyes, Misty Small Eyes, Brandi Delaney, Curtis Small Eyes and Brenda (Bill) Weasel Fat. Sisters Mary Ann Buckskin, Sanda (Chris) Shade, Agnus Heavy Runner, Noreen Heavy Runner, Tanya Heavy Runner, Colleen Tailfeathers and Brothers Les, Wes Heavy Runner and Curt Tailfeathers. Delphine was a proud grandmother, raising her grandchildren Nicole, Carson, Alfreda, Britney, and Travis. Her grandchildren are Lenny JR, Ashton, Joan, Shawntia, Tallysa, Ciara, Malychi, Alex, Theo, Love Sky, Whitney, Brittney, Isiah, Kyrie, Kyra, Kysiah, Melissa, Nikki, Kato, Austin, Alysa, Jayce, Lenny, Tyra, Carry, Kelsey, Illyana, Talissa, Kelly Bleu, Dylan, Amari, Alfreda, Stanley, Benji, Kendrick, Jimmy (Tuff), Jesse, Zaybra, Tadum, Zana, and leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly.
Delphine was raised by her grandparents, Rosie and George Small Eyes Kiipiitapokai in Moccasin Flats. At the age of six, she attended St. Mary’s Residential School, where she completed her education up to the twelfth grade. She married Leonard Brave Rock Sr. and had two children before embarking on further education at Nechi Training. Delphine later met and lived with Christopher No Chief, and together they raised Deana while pursuing studies at Lethbridge College. Upon being grandparents they raised Nicole, Carson and Alfreda.
Known for her vibrant spirit, Delphine had a passion for reading Harlequin romance novels, dancing to her favorite music, and sharing joyful moments with her family. She enjoyed bingo nights and playing the slot machines with her Aunt Molly. Her distinctive style, highlighted by her fondness for burgundy lipstick, displayed her exuberant personality.
A memorable incident living up to her lively nature involved a sledding adventure with her Na’aa demonstrating her loving and adventurous spirit. Despite facing challenges, Delphine was known for her warmth and kindness.
Delphine's legacy continues through her godchildren: Marlene Sweet Grass, Karen Bruised Head, Lorraine Iron Shirt and Connie Shouting. She will be deeply missed by many family members and friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Wake Service to be held on Friday, October 10 from 6:00 - 11:00 pm at the Tanner Center (260 1st St. West) Cardston, AB. The Funeral service will be held at the Tanner Center on Saturday, October 11 at 11:00 am conducted by Reverand Durand and Elder Les Wolf Child. Interment to follow in the Small Eyes Family Cemetery, Blood Reserve just east of Cardston.
Delphine Small Eyes’ warmth and spirit will be remembered eternally by those she touched throughout her life.
She is survived by her children, Yolanda Brave Rock, Patrick Small Eyes, Carson Small Eyes, and Alfreda Small Eyes, along with her siblings Micheal Delaney; Kenny (Bonita) Small Eyes, Misty Small Eyes, Brandi Delaney, Curtis Small Eyes and Brenda (Bill) Weasel Fat. Sisters Mary Ann Buckskin, Sanda (Chris) Shade, Agnus Heavy Runner, Noreen Heavy Runner, Tanya Heavy Runner, Colleen Tailfeathers and Brothers Les, Wes Heavy Runner and Curt Tailfeathers. Delphine was a proud grandmother, raising her grandchildren Nicole, Carson, Alfreda, Britney, and Travis. Her grandchildren are Lenny JR, Ashton, Joan, Shawntia, Tallysa, Ciara, Malychi, Alex, Theo, Love Sky, Whitney, Brittney, Isiah, Kyrie, Kyra, Kysiah, Melissa, Nikki, Kato, Austin, Alysa, Jayce, Lenny, Tyra, Carry, Kelsey, Illyana, Talissa, Kelly Bleu, Dylan, Amari, Alfreda, Stanley, Benji, Kendrick, Jimmy (Tuff), Jesse, Zaybra, Tadum, Zana, and leaves behind numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will miss her dearly.
Delphine was raised by her grandparents, Rosie and George Small Eyes Kiipiitapokai in Moccasin Flats. At the age of six, she attended St. Mary’s Residential School, where she completed her education up to the twelfth grade. She married Leonard Brave Rock Sr. and had two children before embarking on further education at Nechi Training. Delphine later met and lived with Christopher No Chief, and together they raised Deana while pursuing studies at Lethbridge College. Upon being grandparents they raised Nicole, Carson and Alfreda.
Known for her vibrant spirit, Delphine had a passion for reading Harlequin romance novels, dancing to her favorite music, and sharing joyful moments with her family. She enjoyed bingo nights and playing the slot machines with her Aunt Molly. Her distinctive style, highlighted by her fondness for burgundy lipstick, displayed her exuberant personality.
A memorable incident living up to her lively nature involved a sledding adventure with her Na’aa demonstrating her loving and adventurous spirit. Despite facing challenges, Delphine was known for her warmth and kindness.
Delphine's legacy continues through her godchildren: Marlene Sweet Grass, Karen Bruised Head, Lorraine Iron Shirt and Connie Shouting. She will be deeply missed by many family members and friends.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Wake Service to be held on Friday, October 10 from 6:00 - 11:00 pm at the Tanner Center (260 1st St. West) Cardston, AB. The Funeral service will be held at the Tanner Center on Saturday, October 11 at 11:00 am conducted by Reverand Durand and Elder Les Wolf Child. Interment to follow in the Small Eyes Family Cemetery, Blood Reserve just east of Cardston.
Delphine Small Eyes’ warmth and spirit will be remembered eternally by those she touched throughout her life.