Lillian Steele

1957 ~ 2017

Aaysstaiyoh’toowa Lillian Steele from Kainai, beloved mother of Christopher and Cody, and lifetime friend of Stanley Knowlton, passed away peacefully after a lengthy illness on May 2, 2017 at the age of 59 years.

Lillian was born on June 14, 1957 to parents Mary Zita and Michael W. Steele.

Lillian was a humble hard working person. She loved family and was very traditionally grounded. She loved to have a visit over tea at her favorite spots around town. She loved to visit family and friends near and far, and she would make a whole trip of it, especially if she hadn’t seen you in a while. Lillian was meticulous in her cooking; housekeeping and put forth a 100% effort in everything she worked on. Her education consisted of a B SW., B FA, a diploma in Life Skills training, and numerous awards in life skills – coaches training. Lillian’s employment included Treaty 7 housing, St. Paul’s Treatment Centre, her own Art therapy program which she conducted at the Lethbridge correctional centre. Her hobbies included creating powwow dance outfits for her grand nieces and nephews, photography as well as an interest in Art, Blackfoot language and culture. She epitomized lifelong learning. Lillian was a very strong and active supporter of the Idle-no-more movement.

She is survived by her two sons Chris and Cody, sisters Shirley (Bobby), Maryanne (Edward), Trisha (Fabian) and her brother Michael (Denise); nieces and nephews Kimberly (J.R.), Jayme (Zach), Mirika, Nicholas (Crystal), JR, Baby girl, Tori, Leslie (Ben), Flynn, Kai, Cheyenne, Jesse, Heaven, Travis, Kim, Faith, Cody, Mitch, Omer, Fiona, Marilyn, Crystal, Shannon, Selme, Mike, Charlie, Len, Kyle, Simone, Jr, Isaac, Winddancer, Sage, Calvin, Ava, JR, Skyler, Jaden. As well as her extended family Steele, Many Bears, Bruised Head, Long Time Squirrel, Plume, Day Rider.

Lillian was predeceased by her father Michael W. Steele; maternal grandparents Maryanne and Peter Many Bears, Steve and Pricilla Bruised Head; paternal grandparents Mr. & Mrs. Mike Steele, Larry Plume and Mini Steele; and her nephew Marty Steele; as well as numerous aunts and uncles.

Lillian was extremely grateful to the Piikani Health Care workers who assisted her at her home and also she often mentioned the excellent care she was receiving at St. Mikes and for that we the family extend you our gratitude for making this difficult time a little bit easier for Lillian.

A Wake Service will be held at 6:00pm on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at the MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610 4 Street S., Lethbridge, AB.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, May 10, 2017 at ST. MARY’S CATHOLIC CHURCH, Standoff, AB with Father Pawel Adrasz, celebrant. Interment will follow in the St. Catherine’s Cemetery.