Bernice Remembered by Family and Friends

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Hobbema

On Oct 23, 1987, Bernice Soosay, 35, of the Sampson Indian band, was murdered. One year later this past weekend (Oct 23 ? 24) Bernice was remembered, prayed for and missed, when her family held a Tea and Round Dance in her memory at the Howard Buffalo Memorial Centre. Pictured here is 65-year-old Louisa Soosay, mother of Bernice.

"It is in memory of my sister. We will have a giveaway and dance. Everything we do here tonight, we will pray first. Everything has to have a prayer with it," said Anita Soosay.

More than 200 relatives friends and family took part in the cheerful yet sad occasion. Hobbema traditional drummers, circled together in the middle of the gymnasium floor, sang songs while family members and friends joined hands to dance.

"I miss my daughter very much," said Bernice's mother.

Louisa has 40 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren many of whom took part in the memorial tea dance.

Bernice Soosay came from a family of seven children, Richard, Catherine, Darwin, Valerie, Anita and Darcy. She left behind her five children.

"Her children are well taken care of," said Bernice's aunt and sister of Louisa Soosay, 59-year-old Elsie Sunchild and with a smile she said "I'm the youngest."

Bernice Soosay's murderer was sentenced to a life term in prison.