It is with great sadness that we, the family of Mary Verna Sweetgrass, announce her passing on October 18, 2011, at the age of 56 years, at the Foothills Hospital in Calgary.

A precious mom to Shawn (Nikki) Sweetgrass and Tyson Sweetgrass, a grandmother to Angel, Little Shawn, Taylin, Kailey, and Zachery, and step-mother to Lawrence (Lisa) Black Plume and their children.

Verna leaves to mourn her dearest friend and companion, Larry Black Plume; her mother, Mary Sweetgrass, her brothers: Harvey (Adeline), Herman (Kelly), and Jimmy; her sisters: Molly, Isabelle, Irma and Nora. Her Aunts Elsie First Rider, Isabelle Healy-Fox, MaryAnn Crying Head (Annie), Rita (Pete) Many Fingers, Elizabeth (Martin) Vielle, and Veronica Crying Head.

Verna was predeceased by her father, Johnny Sweetgrass Sr. (1973); her brothers John Jr. (1968) and Clifford (2008); Uncles: Alfred Sweetgrass and Stephen Crying Head; Aunts: Molly Healy/Sweetgrass, Agnes Heavy Head, and Teresa and Geraldine Crying Head; her niece, Darcy Rae Sweetgrass; parents-in-law Jim (Rosaline) Shot Both Sides.

Verna was born at the Blood Indian Hospital on Dec 30th, 1954. She grew up on the Blood Reserve and attended St. Mary's Residential School, Magrath Elementary, Jr. and Sr. High school, from which she graduated in 1973. Verna continued her education at Henderson College of Business, Lethbridge Community College, and Training Inc. Vocational School.

Verna was employed throughout her life with different organizations: Indian and Northern Affairs, Kainai Industries, Lethbridge Friendship Centre, Lethbridge Native Women's Transition Home, and Lethbridge Aboriginal Employment Centre.

In Verna's younger years growing up out on her mom and dad's farm, on the east end of the Reserve, she was an accomplished horseman, and farm hand; Lady Lee was her prized possession. In her school years she was also a talented seamstress and participated in numerous fashion shows. During the years spent in Magrath, a lot of good and memorable times were had with the Scouts and the notorious Frank boys.

When Verna started her family, she was a good home maker who enjoyed preparing home cooked meals, crafting home décor, sewing and beading. Her Favorite past times were spending time with her sons and grandchildren, attending family gatherings and celebrations and visiting with friends.

Verna will forever be remembered for her good sense of humor, quick wit and teasing. Verna resided in Lethbridge, until her passing.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff at the Calgary Foothills Hospital, ICU unit C, for the care and great kindness shown to the family during Verna's passing.

The Family service will be held at 5:00pm on Tuesday October 25th, 2011 at MARTIN BROTHERS FUNERAL CHAPEL 610 - 4 St S, Lethbridge, AB, continuing on with the wake service from 7:00pm to 12 midnight.

The Funeral service will be held at 11:00 am, on Wednesday October the 26th, 2011 at ST. BASIL'S CATHOLIC CHURCH, 604 - 13 St N, Lethbridge AB, with burial to follow at St. Catherine's Cemetery on the Blood Reserve.