Obituary of Muriel Banhegy

Muriel Marjory Banhegy (née Pompana)

 Mahpi Yatanin Win

 “Sees Thunder Approaching”

March 29, 1928 – July 26, 2021

It is with great sadness that the family of Muriel Marjory Banhegy announce her peaceful passing at the Dakota Oyate Lodge in Sioux Valley First Nation.

Muriel, a beloved auntie, sister, sister-in-law, friend and elder was predeceased by her husband, Robert (Bob); step-son, Robert Jr; parents, Thomas and Susan Pompana; sisters, Delores and Lucy and brothers, Barry, Mervin, Reginald, Roderick, Arnold, Walter, and Alden.

She is survived by her dear brother, Calvin (Suzanne); sisters-in-law, Esther and Elsie; “the girls” Yvonne and Bobbi, many cherished nieces and nephews, grand nieces and nephews, cousins, family, friends and Sundance relatives near and far.

Born in Sioux Valley, Muriel was taken at a young age, to attend Residential School in Elkhorn. After those hard years, Muriel returned home to care for her family. She also used her domestic skills to work with other families and care for their children. Eventually she went to work at McKay Residential School where she served as a cook and she ensured the children felt safe and had good food to eat, unlike her school experiences.

In Dauphin, Muriel met her husband Bob, they enjoyed many happy years of travel and family life together.

Anyone who was lucky enough to know Muriel knew what an amazing woman she was. She made everyday special for everyone in her life.

She opened her home, cooked and helped anyone who needed. Through the good and the bad, she loved us all unconditionally.

At the Sundance ceremony, you would find her with all the children around her or in the kitchen cooking and cleaning for everyone. Getting stung constantly by wasps, working in 30+ heat or pouring rain, Auntie would work through without a break or a complaint.

She was a mother figure and a good friend to so many people. She will be deeply missed by all of us. Rest in peace, our beloved Muriel.

Deep appreciation is extended to the staff of Dakota Oyate Lodge who provided wonderful care to Muriel during her stay with them.

With Covid restrictions continuing, a private family service will be held on Friday, July 30, 2021. Family and friends are invited to gather as Muriel will be laid to rest beside her late husband, Bob at the Brandon Cemetery on Friday, July 30, 2021 at 3:00 p.m. Covid 19 protocols will be respected. Honorary pall bearers are: Irene Graveson, Isabel Pashe, Helen Saunders, Liz Cook, Darlene Bunn, Martha Palmer, and Cecil Pashe, her friends from the Elders Group, who have meant so much to her for many years.

Flowers gratefully declined; memorial donations would be welcome for the Brandon Friendship Centre “Elders Group”, 836 Lorne Ave, Brandon, MB, R7A 0T8, or to a charity of your choice.