Mary Jean McDermott

On January 4, 2025 Mary (Doe) started her journey home. Mary passed away in Calgary at the age of 87. 

Mary is survived by her children, Yvette McDermott, Robert McDermott (Bobby), and James McDermott (Jimmy). Her sisters Nora Kayseas and Cecile Asham (Glen) and her Auntie Rose Young. Her grandchildren Jill McDermott and Antje Thomas (Ben) and great grandchildren Lily-Ann Mary McDermott, Thomas Wade McDermott, Margaret Jacqueline McDermott, Kaydence Thomas, Caesium Thomas. 

Mary is predeceased by her husband John McDermott, her son Patrick McDermott, daughter Rhonda Brown and granddaughter Taylor Brown and great granddaughter Mayelle Thomas. Her parents Kizicupeetung (Bill Kayseas) and Nazapeek (Margaret Kayseas), her siblings: Isabelle Kayseas, Gilbert Kayseas, Glen Kayseas, Christopher (Chi) Kayseas, David (Indian) Kayseas, Esther Kayseas and Helen Pelletier.

Mary was a mother, sister, kokom, aunt, and friend. She loved to go on long walks along the river, she was an avid gardener and made beautiful quilts, wreaths and crafts. She wrote letters with her excellent penmanship to her sisters, aunts, uncles and relatives for the past 70 years every week. Mary was born and raised in Fishing Lake until she left to residential school. Mary resided in Calgary for last 65 years where she raised her family. Marys’ final request was to be laid to rest in her home community Noochickinoozahwaning (Fishing Lake First Nation). Mary will be greatly missed by her family, friends and relatives.