Vera Veronica Bird-Big Talk, age 61, of Brockton, MT, passed away July 15, 2008, at Poplar Hospital.
Vera was born in Poplar, MT to Faye Maria Melbourne and Clayton Bird on September 13, 1946.
She attended school in Brockton, received her G.E.D. and lived all of her life in this area.
Vera married Matthew Big Talk and was married 45 years until the time of her death. She shared many stories of their crazy times together.
She was the matriarch of the family no matter how you felt when you walked into her home she would have words of encouragement, gave comfort and subtle advice. Vera and her grandson, William Big Talk created two star quilts and represented them to mayors of Washington, D.C. and New York City because of the loss of lives in the 911 terrorist attacks. She also; had a very good sense of humor and a joke for everyone. Her laughter was a highlight of the conversation.
Vera loved to participate and watch her children and grand children in sporting events and she was a great Brockton Warrior fan. Vera and her family created lots of arts and crafts. They made Native American Dolls as authentic as possible and she made her grandchildren’s (as well as other’s) dancing outfits just so she could watch them at the pow-wows. She was a big supporter of Sundance and made Sundance regalia.
Vera served in her many years in this community as chairman, vice-chairman, secretary and treasurer of the Brockton Riverside Community Organization, attended the United Tribes Police Science for 2 years and was employed by Ft. Peck Tribes as a Police Officer and served on the Board of Directors of TERO, Ft. Peck Housing Authority, and Sisseton-Wapehton.
Vera survived by her husband, Matthew, daughter Lisa Lynette Big Talk, daughter, Lori Faith Lone Bear, son, Matthew James Big Talk, Jr. and LaToya Deserly all of the family home; grand children, William Big Talk and Jenny Lambert of Wolf Point, Robert Ben Azure, Jr. of Brockton, Michael Thomas of Havre and Misty Thomas of Riverside; great grandchildren, Shea Scott of Ft. Kipp, Jaila Big Talk of Wolf Point, Edmund Youpee and Louie Conklin, Jr. of Brockton; grandma Gladys Lewis of Brockton; grandpa Joe Jones of Oswego, MT; sisters, Beverly Bird and Doris Bird of Brockton, Thelma McDonald of Culbertson; adopted sister, Myra Grace Pipe of Wolf Point; adopted sons, Bernard N. Youpee of Brockton, Charles Rocky Youpee of Poplar and Ivan Broken Leg of Brockton; adopted brothers, Sonny Hare of Rapid City, S.D., Leonard Crow Dog of Paradise, S.D. and Robert Welch of Wolf Point; aunties, Susan Cheek of Brockton and Rebecca Clark of Poplar; uncle Calvin Melbourne of Brockton, and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
She was preceded in death by her mother Faye Melbourne and father, Clayton Bird; brother Edmond Bird, adopted son Myron Broken Leg, adopted brother, Leighton Reum and a sister Baby Girl; nephews, William “Louie” Conklin, Sr., Robert “Bob” MacDonald and Derek GreyBull; niece Autumn GreyBull and grand daughter, Payton Weinberger.
Visitation and Vigil Services will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 20, 2008 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, MT. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Monday, July 21, 2008 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Poplar, MT. Father Francis Schreiber will be the celebrant. Interment will be at Riverside Cemetery in Brockton, MT.
Pallbearers:
John Morales
Floyd Azure
Leonard “Sonny” Hare, Jr.
Leonard Emmanuel Crow Dog
Bernard Youpee
Mike Olson
Honorary:
Bobbi Doney, Jackie Sandoval, Alice Long Hair, Zelma Mason, Jody Smith, Clarence Bob, Mary Clelland, Vivian D. Jones, Judy Grey Bear, Calvin First, Steve Lilley, Marty Reum, Clayton Reum, Cory Reum, John Doney, Darryl Red Eagle, Ethelene White Hawk, Mary Edmo, Little Crow, Stoney Anketell, Carrie Burshia, Anna Pipe, Steven Barrios, the Dialysis Staff and Diabetes Program, Debbie Bruner, Calvin and Myrna First and Ed Crawford and family