"I worked with Mavis at Wal-Mart. I just loved her!"
In loving memory of
Mavis Catherine Waukechon
February 6, 1942 - August 20, 2020
Mavis Catherine Waukechon
Our Mama, the matriarch of our family has moved on for her next heavenly journey.
After her courageous fight with clear cell renal carcinoma, was one of grace and dignity. She departed at her home on August 20, 2020 surrounded by her daughters and grandsons .
In the winter of 1942, Mom was born into the Menominee Nation in Keshena, Wisconsin. Third of Six Children to Joseph and Kitty (Catherine) Waukechon.
After graduating from High School she was offered a job with the Federal Government in Ogden, Ut. With one suitcase in hand she boarded a train and headed west. After a lengthy service to the Federal Government which included IRS, Intermountain Indian School, after its closing in 1984, she
transferred to the National Park Services until her retirement.
Not one to sit still long, mom went on to a second career lasting 15 yrs as an optician.
While working at Intermountain Indian School she met and married Sammy J. Gallegos and they had two loving daughters, Chrissie and Sammie Jo, which she adored. Mavis also has three wonderful grandsons David L. Andreasen, Danial R. (Courtney) Andreasen, and Alexander S. Burden, three great grandchildren, and her two dogs, Stan and Molly.
Mom loved spending time cooking for her family especially on holidays, she loved baking to share with family, neighbors and co-workers, and was famous for her salsa as well. She enjoyed hunting, camping, attending Pow Wows, playing softball (a fierce short stop), she taught herself to sew, knit, paint, she was very crafty. Mom ESPECIALLY LOVED TO SHOP!
Mavis is survived by her daughters,grandsons and great grandchildren, two sisters Kathy (Andy) Anderson, Patricia (Richard) Lawe, nieces and nephews. She is proceeded in death by her parents, one son, two sisters, and two brother in laws
The family would like to express to the CNS Hospice team and the Huntsman 5th floor staff for their extraordinary care of our Mom.
Mom you leave a giant hole in us that can only be filled with your warm hugs and kisses, we miss you already! LOVE LOTS. Celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Entrusted to Gillies Funeral Chapel.
Tributes
"Mavis was a wonderful person and a great friend. She has a great sense of humor that made me laugh all the time. She loved her dogs and spoiled them with treats, toys and hugs. "
"My deepest condolences to the family. She was my EA at Intermountain Inter-tribal School from 1982-84, when the school closed its doors. She was a great lady and mom to every student, I'm sure. I have great memories and good times with her. I love you mom, you will be missed!!! Rest In Paradise and fly high with the Eagles!!! "
"Mavis. I will miss you and I love you. Thanks for being my friend. You will be missed"
"I love you mom,you are and always will be my second mom,my heart is broken ? once again, you will be so missed, ?I love you all and I feel your heartache ? ? love, Becky "