In Loving Memory Of
Josephine Elizabeth Leavitt
Josephine Leavitt, resident of Muskeg Seepee, Grande Cache, AB, passed away on Sunday, January 24, 2021, in her home,
at the age of 68 years.
Josephine was the third child of six born to Abraham Desjarlais and Mary Desjarlais (nee Plante) in Marlboro, AB. Her siblings were James “Jimmy”, Caroline, William “Bill”, Colleen (Dale) and Leon. They moved from Marlboro and headed west, following her father’s work, as he worked in the forestry industry. They eventually settled in the Grande Cache area in the 1960’s. Her father worked hard for the betterment of the community, at great personal cost and sacrifice.
She would often recall that things were tough for the family at times, but she also learned many things from her parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and the extended community about a love for the land, hard work, not be wasteful, conservation, faith, creativity, handcrafts, sewing, love of dance and fiddle music, preservation of traditional knowledge and values, giving of self to wherever needed or asking for assistance, as well as pride in her culture, and she was quite industrious.
Josephine married twice. Her husbands were Greg Carrier and Wally Leavitt. She gave birth to her two sons, whom she loved immensely: Francis “Frank” Carrier and Floyd Leavitt. She was so proud of each of her grandchildren: Dakota Carrier, Graydon Leavitt, Reanne Leavitt and Aydan Joachim, and enjoyed all of their accomplishments.
She became a rock in the family and the one person who could be relied upon to take care of things for the family and the community, generally solving problems and taking action. She would phone or visit to make sure everyone was doing alright. She would help wherever and whenever. It could be a ride to the city, food for community events, sewing for others, willing to teach others or help put in a collar or two. She loved to sew, and many people have benefitted as a result of her talents, from clothing to canvas teepees. She loved going to dances, travelling and anything that promoted Metis culture and youth.
Josephine did a lot of jobs over her lifetime, from working as a bartender, housekeeper, road construction worker, seamstress, camp cook, security, and bus driver. The jobs she really enjoyed was being a life skills instructor, working at traditional culture camps sharing her knowledge, and her last job providing elder services to the Grande Cache Institution. She was always working on bettering herself through education and self-improvement and advocating for others to do the same. She was practical, and never wasted what she had, and used her resources wisely.
She will be sadly missed by her sons Frank (Nicole) and Floyd (Penny); grandchildren: Dakota, Graydon, Reanne and Aydan; brothers Jimmy and Leon; as well as many aunties, cousins, and nieces and nephews, who considered her a mom.
Josephine was predeceased by her father Abraham Desjarlais; mother Mary Desjarlais (nee Plante); and siblings Caroline, William “Bill” and Colleen (Dale).
A wake was held on January 29, 2021, at Eagle’s Nest Hall in Grande Cache, AB.
Nos plus sincères sympathies à la famille et aux amis de Josephine Elizabeth Leavitt July 30 1952 January 24 2021..
Décès pour la Ville: Grande-Prairie, Province: Alberta