Maria Jane Young~Cook

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, her 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), Marcel (Vivian), sisters, Betsy and Doris.

She is also survived by her granddaughters Desirae Whitehead and Tanisha Flett along with many nieces, nephews and great grandchildren.

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, her first husband, Richard Flett, and her second, Henry Cook.

Maria leaves behind many nieces and nephews, including her God-children Jeffrey, Bradley, Zane, and Carla.

Maria’s favourite past time in her younger years was 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 was her favourite team. She followed curling, cheering on local teams and on the world stage, Canada. She did not tolerate interruptions when her sports was 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 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, Resident, Dr. Nina.

Funeral Service will be on Friday, July 19, 2024 at the McKenzie Funeral Home, 56 Royal Road South, Portage La Prairie, Manitoba.

A tree will be planted and cared for by McKenzies Portage Funeral Chapel. www.mckenziesportagefuneralchapel.com