Obituary
Thelma Lavina Ann Pruden
Red Sky Woman (Ojibwe) Misko Giizhgo Ikwe
Red Heart Woman (Cree) Miskotay Iskwew
December 8, 1946 – August 12, 2020
Peacefully on August 12, 2020 Thelma age 73 passed away at Red River Place Personal Care Home, Selkirk, Manitoba. She was born in Selkirk, Manitoba.
Thelma was predeceased by her parents Douglas and Vina Pruden; brothers Douglas, and Kenneth; son-in-law Rene Barker and her husband Gordon Sayer.
Thelma leaves to celebrate her life 5 children, Lorlie, Kim, Nicki, Corry and Ryan; 10 grandchildren Ashley, Dustin, Brett, Rainey, Braiden, Lorna, Fayanne, Meegwan, and Emilie, pet grandchild Chanell and 21 great-grandchildren; sisters Bernice (Ervin), Valerie (Norman), Rose Marie (Andrew), and Elizabeth (James) as well as numerous nieces and nephews
The family would like to pay special acknowledgements to those who were closely involved in Thelma’s’ care the past seven years, staff of Red River Place Personal Care Home, Dr. H. Demsus & Drs. R.R. and R.B Lindenschmidt, IERHA Home Care, special friends Carol and Chickadee, and the many friends that were there for her over the years.
Red Sky, Red Heart woman carried many titles, many names. She was a woman of passion for life, she worked hard for the peoples’ to bring healing, she was a teacher to many, knowledge keeper, a student, faith keeper, Sundancer, a walker, always sharing her stories of encounters with love and kindness; yes she had her hardships, her pain, her teachings, but she never stopped trying to heal from them – trying many healing ways of our ancestors; she walked her talk in an ever so gentle and unconditional way; she loved many and she was loved by many; she had a certain eloquence and uniqueness about her.
Thelma was an active member in AA for over 30 years. She was also a runner who ran with A.I.M( Dennis Banks); was a walker for Native Youth Movement to BC and also walked to Alkali Lake B.C..; she went to Oka to give support to Dennis Kab; she led restorative circle challenges. Most of all she challenged herself.
Over the years Thelma worked at Child and Family Services, Native Addictions Foundation of Manitoba, Nine Circles, Barbering at Red River Place and at the Selkirk Mental Health Centre.
Flowers are gratefully declined. If friends so desire, donations may be made to the charity of your choice.
Due to COVID – 19 the family will be having a private graveside service at St. Clements Cemetery. Reverend Anthon Bouw officiating. Please practice social distancing protocol.
Pallbearers will be grandsons: Brett, Braiden. Rainey Barker, Mykalin Cameron, Shawn and Ryan Hilts, Honorary pallbearer grandson Dustin Barker
Condolences may be left on her tribute wall at www.gilbartfuneralhome.com.
Gilbart Funeral Home, Selkirk in care of arrangements.
Our most sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Thelma Pruden August 12 2020..
Death notice for the town of: Selkirk, Province: Manitoba