June 10, 1948 – Journey to the next world – February 23, 2023
My Mom, Phyllis Pruden, passed away on February 23
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at Bethany Cochrane (LTC) at the age of 74, due complications from her PLS (Primary Lateral sclerosis) and lung cancer. My Dad (David) and I were with her on her last day with us. Holding her to let her know that she was not alone and that we loved her with all our being.
She was a proud Nehiyaw Iskwew from the Beaver Lake Cree Nation, Treaty No.6, with relations far and wide. Ferociously proud of her Indigeneity and dedicating her life to the betterment of our people, with a specific focus on Indigenous children. She did this by her good and loving nature and by believing that there was always hope and a chance to do things better by the agency of love. She did this by working at Friendship Centres, Remand Centers and as a social worker for 20+ years in Calgary. Helping numerous children and families understand what their responsibilities were and are, by teaching them our (Indigenous) histories and answering any and all questions. Also, by attending and assisting in ceremony, and always being a safe person to ask questions. She new that spirituality and the spiritual life that she lived with my Dad, my sister and I, (and with many of you reading) the strength to love.
My Moms’ life was rooted in love. My Mom knew as a residential school survivor, that to survive, that we do not become fully whole again until we are able to give ourselves to each other in love. She always told me without fail, even in the hardest and darkest times that she loved us. There is a good chance that she told you that she loved you, even if you didn’t want to hear it, or understood why she was saying it. It is because she believed it, she loved us.
Her husband, David Rankin and her son, Geoff, daughter Naomi Rankin, son-in-law Tim, and granddaughters, Bella, Melia, Lila Martinez and many other family members will miss her very much. But, we will be sustained by the knowledge that she loved us and we all will continue in that love to ensure her memory lives on by our ability to continue to grow and share our love and respect for one another.
As per my Mom’s wishes, we will be holding a gathering in the spring to celebrate my Mom’s life. You can contact Geoff for further details if you would like to be informed of the dates once set.
In lieu of flowers, we would appreciate if a donation could be made in my Mom’s name to, The ALS Society of Alberta
https://www.alsab.ca/donate
With Love,
The Rankin, Pruden, and Martinez families
Ekosi
Cochrane Country Funeral Home – cochrane@piersons.ca
Arrangements entrusted to Emily Champ, Funeral Director
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