WINNIE, Rosena Margaret

1932 – 2025

Rosena Margaret Winnie (nee Pechawis) was born on Wednesday, May 18th, 1932, on the Mistawasis Reservation, Saskatchewan, and passed away on Wednesday, October 29th, 2025, in Red Deer, Alberta, at the age of 93 years old. Rosena went into the presence of her God Almighty, with her family by her side. The biggest part of our mom’s life was her love for God and her church. Mom taught us, to always give thanks to God, no matter the situation. To forgive and move on. Leave things in the past, so we can move forward. Whenever we faced something, she would say to us, “where is your faith”? She led by example, all her life. Rosena was a respected and loved Elder, in the community. She worked at Heritage Family Services for eleven years. Children would come into her office to learn crafts and talk to Kokum. She volunteered at the Native Friendship Centre, Urban Aboriginal, Aboriginal Headstart, City Hall, Red Deer Polytechnic, Red Deer Public School District, and loved her beading group at the Golden Circle every Tuesday. She taught children and adults how to bead, make moccasins, mukluks, jewelry and so much more. Rosena also attended many meetings in Red Deer, attended a monthly Mayor’s Luncheon, and was a representative for the Indigenous Community. Everyone that crossed her path loved Kokum Rosena! The Red Deer Museum produced two short documentaries, “Being Kokum” and “A Historic Survival”, showcasing Rosena in her volunteer work and bringing awareness of her time in a residential school. If you would like to view A Historic Survival, you can go to the Red Deer Museum to view it, in the Capitol Theatre. In June 2019, she was awarded the Mayor’s Recognition Award, for all her work over the years in the community. At 93 years old, Rosena was still out about, and just days before she was in the hospital, she went to Banff to attend, “The Ancestors are Talking” exhibition.

Rosena is lovingly remembered and survived by her husband, Frank Winnie of Red Deer; her daughters, Diane Rohleder of Calgary and Ann-Marie Hall (Andrew) of Springbrook; her beloved grandson, Daniel Hall of Victoria British Columbia; son, Jordan of Red Deer; her sisters, Kay of Mistawasis, Saskatchewan, Vi of Nanaimo, British Columbia and Bette of Six Nations, Ontario; and her brother, Harvey of Mistawasis, Saskatchewan; as well as her many nieces and nephews and cousins. She is predeceased by her parents, Thomas and Suzette Pechawis; her sisters, Mabel, Chrissy, Alvina, Gladys, Rosie, and Virginia; her brothers, Roland, Sammy, Joe, Frank, Arnold and Al; and her son-in-law, Stephen.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the old Home Church, #1 England Way, Red Deer, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. Rosena loved her colors, the way she loved her beads. The family ask for those who come to wear colorful clothes, to celebrate Rosena. We also ask that if you have anything that Rosena made you, such as an Eagle feather, moccasins, mukluks, jewelry, vests, etc., that you wear or bring them to honour her art. A reception will follow, of tea and Bannock. In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorial tributes in memory of Rosena may be made directly to the Red Deer Hospice, 99 Arnott Ave, www.reddeerhospice.com/donate/. This facility and staff brought the family so much comfort, peace and outstanding care for our mom. Cremation entrusted to Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium, Red Deer, Alberta. Condolences, memories and photos may be shared and viewed at www.parklandfuneralhome.com

Parkland Funeral Home and Crematorium (Red Deer)

ONLY LOCALLY FAMILY OWNED AND OPERATED FUNERAL HOME/CREMATORIUM

IN THE CITY OF RED DEER

“Caring Community Compassion Since 1999”

6287 – 67A Street (Taylor Drive), Red Deer. 403.340.4040.

• Date : 2025-11-15
• Location : (Red Deer) LOCALLY OWNED AND OPERATED (Red Deer/Blackfalds/Eckville) www.ParklandFuneralHome.com & (Innisfail/Olds/Didsbury/Sundre) www.HeartlandFuneralServices.com