Miriam Elaine (Smith) Lussier

Miriam Elaine (Smith) Lussier

Born: Sat., Dec. 31, 1949

Died: Mon., Oct. 13, 2014

Miriam Elaine Lussier, Mash-Key-Gaabaw-equay, "Standing Strong Woman", 64, of Red Lake, passed away on Tuesday, October 13, 2014 at the Jourdain-Perpich Nursing home in Red Lake with her family by her side. She was born on December 31, 1949 in Red Lake, the daughter of Patrick and Irene (Fairbanks) Smith. In 1968 she married Lee Lussier, Sr.

Miriam worked at all three casinos as a black jack dealer and as manager for many years. She also worked at equay wiigamig (Women Shelter) in Red Lake and Red Lake Chemical Health program. Miriam loved to spend time with her family, going gambling, reading, but most of all, being a foster parent to many whom she loved dearly. She had a big heart and always helped her family along with many others. Miriam was always willing to open up her home to others in need. She loved going to pow-wows and listening to her son sing on his "eyabay" drum group. Miriam also enjoyed beading and buying others bead work.

Miriam was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 33 years, Lee, her sisters; Patricia Smith, Cynthia Prentice and JoAnn Smith, and her brothers; Charlie Smith, Sr. and Patrick Smith.

She will be lovingly remembered by those she leaves behind who include her special daughters; Leah Lussier, Melissa Lussier, Shantell (Frank) Nei, Trina Johnson, Ellie Johnson, and Mary Prentice, one son Lee Lussier, Jr., 12 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren and one on the way.

A wake service for Miriam will begin at 3:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 15, 2014 at the Red Lake Community Center in Red Lake. It will continue until the 2:00 p.m., service on Friday, October 17, 2014 held at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Red Lake, MN. Father Jerry Rogers will officiate.

Active Pallbearers for Miriam will be her grandsons; Ira, Leland, Sean, Robb, and nephews; Randy "Slap", Jack, Todd, Mike, Paul and Mister. Honorary pallbearers will be: all her brothers and sisters; Craig, John A, Richard, Patrick, Valerie, Josie, Phyllis, Gloria and Jenny, her close friends; Barb, Della, Georgia, Jay Rosebear, Vicky Gail, Angie, Chris Sumner, Bobbiann, Tereasa, Juanita, Doodie, Ellen, Big Phyll, Don Silverstar, Carol Schoenborn, Brandi Atkinson, Amy Kingbird, Shelly English and all her nieces. Interment will be held in the St. Mary's Catholic Cemetery in Red Lake.

Miriam's care has been entrusted to Northern Peace Funeral Home of Walker, MN. Online condolences for the family may be given at http://www.northernpeace.com