Obituary of Mary Yahey

Obituary Mary Marie Yahey was born June 15, 1944 at mile 27 down on the Beatton River Road, to John Yahey and Helen Appaw. Mary has eight brothers and two sisters. Mary was brought up in the traditional Dunne-zaa way of life by her Grandfather, Charlie Yahey, and Grandmother, Bella. They along with her parents had taught her cultural teachings and to live off the land. Mary was very skilled and was known to make quality Mukluks, moccasins, vests, jackets, blankets, and beadwork. She was passionate in her work tanning moose hides, and was very good at it. She was known in first nation country for her dry meat making ability. You could always find Mary at her dry meat rack with a pot of tea and a good story. Mary was a traditional woman; she trapped, hunted, and picked berries. She was raised around horses and enjoyed spending her days as a child riding with her parents and siblings up and down the trails on hunting and gathering trips. In the early years, Mary went into Guiding and Outfitting, and would go off to the mountains with her husband, Harry to help cook and make sure everyone was taken care of. Mary met Harry in 1960 at the age of 17. Once he set eyes on Mary, he knew he was set on making her his wife. He walked two days from Prophet to Blueberry to see her. When Mary’s dad saw what was taking place, he made Harry earn his trust by working hard for Mary’s hand. This was the beginning of their 50 plus years of love and happiness together. Mary had six children. 3 boys and 3 girls, and raised her siblings along with her granddaughter in later years. Sadly, Mary lost one of her sons when he was just a baby. She never forgot the love she had for him and spoke of him often. Mary loved camping and the outdoors. She would call the bush/mountains her second home and was always eager to pack up each summer for the family’s annual camping trip in Pink Mountain. There you would find Mary at her campsite with a fresh pot of tea and some fresh meat cooking over the fire. During this time she took the opportunity to pass on her knowledge to her children and grandchildren to continue their traditional ways. Throughout her lifetime, she set foot on all her traditional territory in the northeastern corner of BC, but it was Pink Mountain country that was her choice spot that always had her wanting to come back year after year. Mary was very disciplined in the words of her grandfather, Charlie’s stories and prophecies of the Dunne-zaa culture. She was a very humble and kind person. She was always persistent on “don’t let that drum go” when speaking with her children. Mary had taught her children and grandchildren to show their gratitude for someone. She made sure we always knew how much she loved and cared for us, and how much we all meant to her. Our mother was an incredible woman - there will be no other woman like her in our lifetimes. We are incredibly grateful for all the years we had with her and are forever grateful for all her teachings. Mary was the rock of the family. She would welcome you with open arms day or night. She was our shoulder to lean on, she gave us words of encouragement and the hope that there will be better days to come. Mary would tell her family that, no matter what is to come, you must keep going and keep living. Mary is going to be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her. Funeral service for Mary will be held Monday, September 12th at 12:00pm at Mary's residence with drumming to start at 10:00am. The family requests NO flowers please. Condolence may be fin memory of Mary to the Diabetes Association of Canada or the Fort St. John Hospital Foundation Kidney Dialysis Fund. Covid protocols will be in place. Services Drumming Monday September 12, 2022 10:00 AM Mary's Residence 220A 8772 Yahey Dr Buick, BC V0C 2R0 Funeral Service Monday September 12, 2022 12:00 PM Mary's Residence 220A 8772 Yahey Dr Buick, BC V0C 2R0