Obituary of Cora Marion Fedyk
Cora Marion Fedyk of Red Deer, Alberta passed away at Points West / Taylor View Towers on October 19, 2024, at the age of 94 years.
Cora was the youngest and only daughter of Reuben Blondeau and Susanne Gosselin of Estevan. Her life was marked by several large-scale world events. Cora was born March 28, 1930, which included the Great Depression and World War II.
On a smaller scale but not less traumatic, Cora, her father and 3 brothers lost their mother to tuberculosis in 1935. A few years later Reuben married Albertine Klyne and together had Katherine Mariette, a daughter and a sister for Cora.
Cora lived and grew up steeped in the culture of the prairie Metis where languages such as Cree Saulteaux, Michif and French were spoken. In the larger community, she learned to appreciate the multicultural community of many new Canadians with whom she attended school, church, work and socialized. These “Roots” taught her to highly value a good education, a strong work ethic, cooperation and being a good parent above all else.
Once the war ended, Cora married a neighbor with whom she had 4 children, one dying in infancy. She worked at various jobs for several years and finally met her second husband William Fedyk, with whom she had 5 more children, by that time, Cora was employed at a local hospital where she stayed for 22 years, prior to the family move to Claresholm Alberta in 1974. The family followed work opportunities to Innisfail, Penhold and Red Deer. Cora did interesting work as an oil field camp Cook. Flying in by helicopter to remote oil drilling sites all over northern BC and Alberta, to feed many hungry workers.
Cora applied the same work ethic she learned from her family and community to the work she did as a volunteer right up to her declining health. She put her heart and soul into organizations such as the Royal Canadian Legion where she was the Ladies Auxiliary President in both Bienfait Saskatchewan and Claresholm Alberta. She worked with many Aboriginal agencies filling the role as Metis Elder and Senator within the Metis Nation and keeping active in issues relating to veterans.
Cora sat on various boards and committees including the Youth Justice Committee, the Mayor’s Task Force on Homelessness, Board of Directors for Metis Local #84 and the Red Deer Native Friendship Centre. Cora’s most beloved volunteer work were those projects that involved working with youth, especially those at-risk of involvement with the justice system and issues effecting women. She was honored as well to be part of the team that repatriated the burial remains at the Rocky Mountain House National Historic Park.
Cora’s many efforts resulted in much recognition, some of which include Esquao Awards in 2002, and 2004, Metis Nation of Alberta Region 3 Elders recognition, Victoria Cross Mother, Blue Lantern Cultural Award, Red Deer Turtle Award and many others, too numerous to mention.
Cora’s interests included working on puzzles, reading, watching hockey, travelling, visiting and keeping in touch with her nuclear and extended family, along with going back to homeland of the Souris Valley in southern Saskatchewan. Some of her regrets were not being able to see the world, especially Alaska. Cora loved rubbing elbows with high-ranking politicians, dignitaries and celebrities.
Cora was a strong determined positive role model as an aboriginal woman, wife, mother, Grandmother and Great Grandmother. She faced many challenges encountered through the death of a child, divorce, remarriage, discrimination in and out of the workplace, raising a blended family and dealing with the stresses of widowhood. She faced these challenges with energy, humor and an unstoppable belief that there was always a solution.
Cora spent her later years in numerous nursing homes in and around Red Deer, where she was loved by all staff, volunteers and fellow residents. The family would like to give our deepest thanks and admiration to the Staff in the Sunshine Cottage at Points West/Taylor View Towers for all that you did for “Momma Cora”, a Heartfelt Thank you.
Cora will be lovingly remembered by her family, friends, community, and numerous loved ones. She was predeceased by her mother and father, Reuben and Susanne (Gosselin) Blondeau; brothers, Walter, Louis, and Edward Blondeau; husband, William Fedyk; children, Dorothy, Mary-Rose, Douglas, and Lila Michelle.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the Livingstones Church (2020 40 Ave, Red Deer) on November 1, 2024, at 1:00 pm, with a reception to follow. For those not in attendance the live stream of the service can be found at https://www.youtube.com/@livingstoneschurchreddeer8343/streams. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be directed to Alzeimers Society of Alberta and Northwest Territories and/or Veterans Voices of Canada.
Condolences to Cora’s family may be emailed to meaningful@telus.net. Please indicate “Cora Fedyk” in the subject line.
Arrangements in care of
Meaningful Memorials Funeral Service
A locally owned cremation and funeral provider
serving Red Deer and all of Central Alberta
587-876-4944