Rachel “Tsuwahkii” (Pretty Woman) Hoof

Mrs. Rachel Bertha Hoof of Kainai Reserve beloved wife of the late Mr. Joseph Hoof, passed away peacefully on January 2, 2022 at the age of 89 years.

“Tsuwahkii” (Pretty Woman) was born on October 21, 1932, on the Kainai Reserve to Joseph and Mary Plain Woman. Rachel attended the St. Mary’s Residential School and left with valuable life skills such as cooking, sewing, and gardening. She met and married Joe Hoof in 1952 together they had nine children. Together they created a home and farm on the Blood Reserve.  During those early years as she began her family Rachel loved to sew quilts, clothing, bake and designed intricately beaded outfits. In addition to this she was well known within the pow-wow circle travelling near and far to participate and camp with her children and grandchildren. In 1974 she moved to Calgary, Alberta where she worked as a Handi-Bus Driver, and as a Traditional Knowledge Holder for Awotaan Women’s Shelter, Alberta Health Services, and many other Indigenous organization.  In 1977 Rachel was awarded with the “Most Outstanding Mother of the Year” for her contribution and service to the Voice of Alberta Native Women’s Society. In 2001 she was honoured by I. A.A.W. in Calgary for her wisdom and knowledge that she humbly offered community members.

Rachel was well known for her laughter, humour, and strong spiritual connection. Mom loved to make beautifully hand-crafted traditional dolls, moccasins, ribbon skirts and shawls. Keeping herself busy with creating beautiful artwork was her way of showing her love for those that were lucky enough to receive a one-of-a-kind hand crafted art piece.  This gift of creating art has been passed on to her children.

Mom worked hard and although she had many struggles in her life, she always looked for the positive side in life.  These values were taught to her by her father whom she loved and looked forward to meeting in the after-life.  Mom was converted to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saint faith in the early 60’s.  It was the teachings from her faith combined with her traditional teachings that her faith was strong.  Every summer she would camp at the annual Sundance and would endure the long hot days and cold nights. She always looked forward to this part of the year and would start to prepare in January.

One of her values that she instilled in her children was to always be prepared.  Never borrow anything and don’t fight with one another.  Mom loved life and she loved to laugh her laughter was healing.  The ability to laugh at life and love unconditionally is what she leaves behind for all her friends, family and loved ones.  We honour you Tsuwakii and send you to be with our Heavenly Father, till we meet again.  Love you for eternity.

Rachel Hoof is survived by her daughters, Christine (Hoof) Little Bear, Florence Steely and Lenora “Rachel” Hoof and adopted daughter Susan Christenson.  Four sons, Dwayne (Rosabel) Hoof, Clarence Hoof, Christopher (Kay) Hoof and Jack Hoof.  Grandchildren, Vada, Mar-nai, Telly, Denver, Dallas, Samuel, Marty, Mack, Adam, Kyle, Shane, Tenadore, Sandy, Thomas, David, Amber, Elaina, Jon, Jacqueline, Madeline, Lindsay, Jason, Tenneil, Brett, Jocelyn, Jeremy, Leila, Paloma, Pierce as well as numerous nieces, nephews, and their families.

     Rachel was predeceased by husband Joseph Hoof, parents Joseph and Mary Plain Woman, brothers William, Lawrence Plain Woman, sisters Sarah Wolf Child, Nellie Long Time Squirrel, Mary Many Feathers, and her children, Barbara, Marie, William Hunt.

A Wake Service will be held at 5:00 pm, on Thursday, January 6, 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta. Due to Covid 19 restrictions and limited capacity, the family invites those who wish to view Rachel’s Wake Service via livestream by going to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Rachel-Hoof and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

     A Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, January 7. 2022 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta with Bishop JR Thompson, officiating. Due to Covid 19 restrictions and limited capacity, the family invites those who wish to view Rachel’s Funeral Service via livestream by going to https://www.mbfunerals.com/obituary/Rachel-Hoof and scrolling to the bottom of the page.

     Interment will follow in Standoff, Alberta.

   The family would like to thank Kainai Continuing Care and the St. Michael’s Palliative Care staff for showing love and kindness for our mother, grandmother.

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