Cecilia Asham

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, wife, grandmother, sister, aunt and friend. Cecile Asham passed away peacefully on Monday, June 23, 2025 in her home, with her family surrounding her at the age of 76 years old. Cecile was born January 31, 1949 in Fishing Lake First Nation.

She was predeceased by her son Garth Asham; father William Kayseas; mother Margaret Kayseas; brothers Christopher and David Kayseas; sisters: Helen Pelletier, Mary McDermott and Esther Kayseas; mother-In-law Amelia Asham; her good friend Chief Elaine Chicoose; grandson Matthew Asham and infant grandchildren.

She is survived by her husband and best friend of 58 years Glen Asham Sr.; children: Glenn Jr, Cindy Desnomie (Warren), Bryan, Denise Kennedy (Jay Dee), Joshua, Nathan, Dylan (Tashena), Tara and their brother Trent; her other grandchildren, great-grandchildren and her soon to be great-great-grandchild, whom she loved dearly; sister Nora Kayseas; sisters-in-law Lucy Fisher and Christina Young; brothers-in-law Lloyd and Michael Longman and her close friends Sharon Chicoose and Jean Redman.

Our mother was a well-respected lady, because she showed love, compassion and fairness to all. She was looked upon for guidance and advice from all areas, which included government officials, leadership, committees and boards, family and friends. It did not matter who needed help, she would help them in confidence. She believed in being kind and praying for others at all times. She was an advocate for education and always encouraged people to do the best that they can for themselves and their families. She worked for Social Services until retirement. She was a band councilor for Pasqua First Nation for 30 plus years and still sat on boards and committees until she left. She was always dedicated to her work and her family. She won numerous awards and recognition, even some with high prestige, but she would never boast about her accomplishments because it would go against her beliefs in her traditional ways. She was fluent in Nahkawēwin and encouraged others to learn and be proud of who they were. Our mother will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank the palliative care unit at ANHH, for caring for our mom respectfully and attentively. Special recognition to the palliative home care nurse Dawn for showing compassion, understanding and advocacy for our mom. We would also like to recognize ANHH nurse Amber Lerat for caring for and loving our mom and making her happy during her hospital stay. We would also like to express our gratitude to the intensive care unit in Yorkton Saskatchewan for their kindness and care during her short stay there. Thank you to family and friends who have helped us during this difficult time with prayers, visiting and providing comfort to the family with food, drinks and attendance. Thank you to PFN maintenance crew, Albert and the boys for bringing firewood promptly for our mother’s sacred fire and to her grandson Chris Cyr for also providing fire wood.

A traditional wake and services was held at Chief Ben Pasqua Memorial Hall, Pasqua First Nation, on Thursday, June 26, 2025 at 4:00 p.m. The funeral was at the same location on Friday, June 27, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., officiated by Knowledge Keeper George Longman. The pallbearers were Chris Asham, Glen Asham Jr., Garth Asham, Warren Desnomie Jr., Trent Obey and Eric Obey. The interment took place in the Asham Family Cemetery. A feast will follow.