Maria Jane Young-Cook
September 17, 1943 – July 12, 2024
Maria was born at The Pas, Manitoba on September 17, 1943. She was a proud citizen of the Opaskwayak Cree Nation.
Maria passed peacefully in the early morning of July 12, 2024 at the St. Boniface Hospital cardiac unit. During her valiant struggle, her brother, Bernard, granddaughter Desirae and niece Angela patiently remained with her, for which her brothers and sisters will always be thankful.
Maria was an Indian Residential School survivor, having attended the All Saints Indian Residential School at Prince Albert, Saskatchewan and the McKay Indian Residential School at Dauphin, Manitoba. In her employment career, she was a respected social worker with the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council.
Maria is survived by her twin brother Ken (Yvette); brothers Bernard (Florence) and Marcel (Vivian); and sisters Betsy and Doris. She is also survived by her granddaughters Desirae Whitehead and Tanisha Flett along with many nieces, nephews and great grandchildren, including her God-children Jeffrey, Bradley, Zane, and Carla.
Maria was predeceased by her parents John and Elizabeth Young, brothers Jack, Walter (Alice), and Joseph (Muriel), sisters Rosalyn (George Ing), Elizabeth, Edith (Ron Levielle), Esther (Sandy Sanderson), Josephine and Lillian (Gordon Landriault); grand-son Evan, adopted son John Blaine Flett, first husband Richard Flett, and second husband Henry Cook.
Maria’s favourite pastimes in her younger years wwere golfing, curling and traveling. Not many knew Maria loved classical music and watching Opera.
During her retirement years, Maria enjoyed watching baseball, Toronto Blue Jays were her favourite team. She followed curling, cheering on local teams and on the world stage, Canada. She did not tolerate interruptions when her sports were on television. She continued travelling to places closer to home and would take spontaneous trips, always by herself.
Maria was always, perhaps to a fault, totally independent.
Her trips to Winnipeg to shop were to make sure her great grand kids were taken care of, and she always made sure they had everything a child needs. She always slipped in treats for them.
Maria's family want to extend their deepest gratitude to the staff at St. Boniface ACCU Ward on the 5th floor, especially nurses, Diana L. and Ayce K, Dr. Barack, cardiologist, Kyle P., perfusionist, Dr. Schaffer, ACCU, and Resident, Dr. Nina.
Funeral service will be held at 1:00 pm on Friday, July 19, 2024, at McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel, 56 Royal Road South, Portage La Prairie, MB. Viewing will be held prior to the service.
A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. http://www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com