Sylvia went home peacefully to be with our Creator, surrounded by her loving children and family. In her younger years, Sylvia was a homemaker, farmer, cleaning lady and volunteer.  She attended the Native Bible Institute of Canada (NIC) and with her late husband, Fred, they pastored First Nation communities in BC and Alberta.  As her children grew up, Sylvia opened her home for over 49 foster children and children from the Blue Fox Association.  She also volunteered with a variety of Lethbridge-based organizations.  She was a Board Member and Elder for the Treaty 7 Urban Housing Society and Sik Ooh Kotoki Friendship Society, an Elder for the YWCA Women’s Shelter, and the Indigenous Foster Parents Association.  Sylvia cared for and opened her home and her heart to many people. She was a well-known ringleader of the Golden Girls who comprised of Harriet Wells, Linda Bruised Head and Hazel Eagle Bear, to name a few.  The Golden Girls would travel near and far, attending pow wows and other events on the spur of the moment.  Their families never knew where they would show up—supporting family and community. 

Sylvia was a kind and caring woman who put her family first and never sought recognition for all her hard work.   She really enjoyed being with people and treated everyone with kindness and love. You were always greeted warmly into her home, and she made sure you didn't go home hungry.  Everyone who came into her home loved her cooking. She will be forever missed and will be remembered by her children, relatives, friends and many other people who knew her from far and near. She is survived by her children, Treffrey (Gail) Deerfoot, Wilbur (Frankie) Yellow Old Woman, Rodney Yellow Old Woman and Farron Many Shots; 25 grandchildren; 48 great grandchildren; her auntie Harriet Wells; her sisters Thelma Pelletier and Eve Yellow Old Woman; her brother-in-laws Vincent (Vicki) Yellow Old Woman and Harvey Edward Yellow Old Woman; adopted daughter Colleen (Richard) Stewart; many nieces and nephews; and adopted children. 

Sylvia was predeceased by her mothers Mae Delaney (Koo-maa-kii), Mary Jane Wells; father Jim Plaited Hair; husband Fred Yellow Old Woman; son Shawn (Tammy) Yellow Old Woman; daughter Freda Brunell; granddaughter Naveah; siblings Rosaline, Christine, Woodrow, Stella, Mildred, Jeanette, Athony, Adam, Wallace, Marjorie, Patricia Mary; many other family and friends from the Wells, Plaited Hair, Turning Robe, Winnipeg, Mayfield, Raw Eater, and Delaney families.

The family would like to especially thank Treffrey, Gail, Rodney, Sharlee who cared for her on a daily basis, and the various homecare staff from Lethbridge Family Services, especially Muntaaz, Rosalie, and Flora who cared for her over the many years, and the staff from Chinook Regional Hospital and St. Micheal’s Palliative Care. 

A Prayer Service will be held at 1:00pm on Tuesday September 17, 2024 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610-4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta. The Wake service will follow at the GORDON YELLOWFLY MEMORIAL ARBOUR on the Siksika Nation.            

A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am, on Wednesday September 18, 2024, at the GORDON YELLOWFLY MEMORIAL ARBOUR.  Interment to follow at the CANON STOCKTON CEMETERY.

Please visit https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary for a more detailed obituary.