Stella’s story starts on April 11, 1947, born to Bertha (Flying About) and Bob First Charger. Stella was born in Cardston, AB. She grew up in a loving home surrounded by her many siblings. Stella lived a full, loving, family-filled upbringing as the seventh child of twelve.

Stella was renowned for her culinary and baking skills. Everyone always knew they would have plenty of homemade food to eat while they were in her company. She was always quick to make sure you had a drink and were well fed before you left. She was a huge fan of family gatherings, a time she was grateful to connect with her siblings and their families.

The simplest pleasures in life brought great joy to Stella. She loved spending time in the kitchen, creating meals for her family. She was always adorned in jewelry and loved to dress up. She enjoyed reading, gambling, attending hand games, doing puzzles, making crafts and going for long drives to explore new places. Stella enjoyed the beauty in nature and especially loved spending time in Waterton. She loved assisting her brother and sister in the preparation of ceremonies and didn’t not hesitate to assist with the cooking.

Stella was a single mother her determination left a mark on her daughter who learned lessons in strength, resilience, perseverance, and independence. She did her best to make sure her daughter had everything that she needed often fulfilling the role of mother and father. Among other things, Stella taught her daughter to change a tire, how to lift and build and fix things. Stella was strong and was a residential school survivor and pushed her daughter to work just as hard as she did.

She was kind and compassionate and her home was always open for anyone that needed a place to stay. Stella was a giving person, constantly putting others first. Stella was authentically and wholeheartedly there for those in her life. Those that had nowhere to go, to stay, to sleep or to eat would reach out to Stella and she would take them in and help in any way that she could. Stella had a good sense of humour. Even in the end, she was laughing and joking with friends and family

Stella’s grand children were her heart and joy. She took an active role in the lives of her grandchildren. There is no denying that, her grandchildren were her babies as she called them, were the people that she loved the most. They were the highlight of her days and there was never a moment she did not make time for them. She left an imprint on their hearts that will last a lifetime.

Stella had many professions throughout her life one of which was a Chef as cooking was her passion. Being Red and Gold Seal certified she attained the highest level of competence and excellence in the industry, and she wore that badge with pride. Over time, she felt called to new career experiences and branched out, continuing as personal care attendance and hospice nurse. She shared stories of caring for Canadian competitive pair skater Jamie Sale's grandmother and developing a good relationship with Sale and her family.  

She was employed with the Royal Canadian Legion, Napi Lodge, the Blood Indian Hospital, Edmonton General Hospital, FCSS, Kainai High School, Kainai Community Corrections, and the Prince of Wales Hotel. Stella operated with a moral compass focused on helping others in need. Stella made exceptional human connections with people of all circumstances. In her earlier days she was an avid volunteer taking her young daughter to help the vulnerable population at the Lethbridge Soup kitchen and prepare and serve meals.

Stella has left us to journey to a beautiful new place where she will be socializing and reunited with her friends and family she has not seen in a long time. She has left detailed instructions for her daughter, grandchildren, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews to celebrate her mission here, which has now been complete. She will tolerate nothing less. Stella took instructions and directions from absolutely no one other than her older sister Agnes. She was stubborn and often refused to follow doctor’s orders. She wanted to enjoy a full life, wanted her independence and she did and has always handled life in the way that she wanted. Stella was always a force to be reckoned with. She didn’t know how to take no for an answer, and for the most part always got her way.

Loved ones that cleared the path for Stella are her parents Bertha Flying About, her father Bob First Charger, Margaret, Genevieve, Terry, Verna, Nadine, Jerry, Joseph Crow and Alice Klein. Stella’s maternal mother was a part of the Aakapokaiksi Many Children or I’naksiiksi Small Blankets Clan and her father Bob First Charger is a part of the Pottstakiiksi Tea Drinking or Aisspahkomiksi Shoot up Clan. Old man First Charger’s (Iikamo’tstso) father is Sheep Old Man (Iimahkihkinaapi), and his brother was Chief Red Crow and kinship is the Mamioyiiksi Fish Eaters Clan

Loved ones that will miss Stella and left behind to carry on Stella’s legacy: her daughter Samantha (Ian), her grandchildren Kariya, Kailey, Pepper and Adam. Her sisters Agnes, Veronica, Roberta, her brothers Francis (Judy) Robert, Kerry (Joanne) and Brian (Michelle) and numerous nieces and nephews she all loved.

Stella lived a full and happy life, and we are honored to celebrate the day she entered this world and they day she left. We encourage you to do the same. Her loved ones will honor her legacy by living life to the fullest. We are so thankful for every single day we were able to spend with her.

The family would like to thank all Blood Tribe Department of Health homecare staff and Dr. Esther Tailfeathers for their compassionate care of Stella. A special thanks to her niece Karen Shouting who held a special place in Stella’s heart. Stella will be missed and remembered fondly by her neighbours, numerous family and countless friends she made throughout her lifetime. She loved her friends and family dearly and cherished the connections and bond she shared with each and every one of you.

A ONE DAY FUNERAL AND WAKE SERVICE WILL BE HELD AS FOLLOWS:

A Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm, on Saturday January 7, 2023 at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge, Alberta.

A Wake Service will follow from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm at MARTIN BROTHERS RIVERVIEW CHAPEL, 610, 4 STREET SOUTH, Lethbridge Alberta.

The family invites those who wish to stay for food and refreshments following the service.