Gladys Rosaline Prettyshield

It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Gladys Rosaline Prettyshield (Wagiya Saba Wiya) “Black Thunderbird Woman” on March 28, 2023, at the age of 77. Gladys was surrounded by her children while she made her final journey to the spirit world.

Gladys was born on September 27, 1945 in Cegakin Nakoda Nation to parents Estella (O’Watch) and Edward Prettyshield. Gladys grew up on Cegakin Nakoda Nation with her parents, all her siblings, relatives and friends. She was the daughter of a Minister and a residential school survivor. Despite all she endured at residential school, she remained strong, hardworking and compassionate. Gladys helped raise and/or support many younger relatives over the years while raising her own children. She actively participated in many First Nation cultural events either with relatives and friends or could often be found sitting next to her two sisters Joyce and Victoria. Gladys loved camping and going to barbecue’s at the beach with all her family and relatives whenever possible.

Gladys was predeceased by her parents Edward and Estella (O’Watch) Prettyshield; her son Cass Thompson and her siblings: Max, Raymond, Gerald, Victor, Victoria, Joyce, Theresa and Barbara.

She will be lovingly remembered by her children, Myra (Doug) Poitras (granddaughter Sarah), Kelly (Shaundell) Delorme (grandchildren: Kaylee (Jordan) and Tavah; great-grandson Sylas Lee), Shyla Prettyshield (grandchildren: Aaliyah, Mia, and Randall). Gladys is also survived by her siblings Carl (Hilda) and Marie and many nieces, nephews and relatives.

A wake was held in Cegakin Nakoda Nation Community Hall, Cegakin Nakoda Nation on Sunday, April 2, 2023 at 4:00 p.m. The funeral service was held in Cegakin Nakoda Nation Community Hall on Monday, April 3, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. with Elders Clyde O'Watch and Tim Poitras officiating. Interment followed in the South Cemetery.

The pallbearers were: Ian Prettyshield, Gerald Prettyshield, Chris Ryder, Trevis Thompson, Tyson Nahnepowisk and Kane Nahnepowisk.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to all the courageous staff for their support in Gladys’s care while she bravely battled her health at the William Booth Care Home. Additionally, the family would like to thank Tubman Funeral Home for their assistance and compassion during this difficult time.