ALVINA JACKSON BEAR

Alvina J. Bear, (Hears with her eyes) began her spiritual journey on Saturday, December 14, 2013 in the loving care of her family and friends and Mercy Hospice. She passed away at her home in St. Michael, ND at the age of 88. The Wake for Alvina will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Friday, December 20, 2013 at the Tekakwitha Center in St. Michael, ND with a Rosary and Prayer Service at 8:00 p.m. The procession to St. Michael will leave at 4:00 p.m. on Friday from Wal-Mart. Mass of the Resurrection will be celebrated on Saturday, December 21st at 10:00 a.m. at St. Michael’s Catholic Church with Fr. Brian Moen as the celebrant. Alvina will be laid to rest in St. Michael’s Catholic Cemetery. MUSIC – DRUM GROUPS: Hunter Street, Rhythm Riders, Tony & Vina McDonald & Frank Hapa CASKET BEARERS: Wesley Jackson, Darrin Jackson, Donovan Redroad, Duane Jackson Jr., Chaunce Sandness, Collin Delorme, Jonathan Yankton, Noah Herman, Corey Delorme Alvina Jackson Bear began her earthly journey on September 21, 1925 at Jackson Hole along the Sheyenne River, she was the eldest child. As a child Alvina developed a sickness that left her deaf and unable to speak. As Alvina grew into her teen years and adulthood she developed her own sign language along with family and friends to communicate. Alvina grew up with spirituality always present, she carried within her Dakota values and traditional ways ever present in her action. Her Indian name given to her by her grandmother was, “Hears with her eyes”, a fitting name chosen for her to carry as she would only hear with the sight of her eyes, hear through the touch of her hand and express through the actions from her heart. Alvina was always humorous, she liked to joke and tell stories. She had a story about everyone she encountered and usually because she convinced you to do something crazy. All the grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and cousins probably recall a time when she made you dance a good verse of jingle dress or just dance Indian. Alvina was a jingle dress dancer in her younger years. She would never miss a beat because she felt the beat of the drum with her heart. Alvina was always kind, caring and generous in every aspect. Thank you to everyone who stopped in to visit her for coffee or tea and a good laugh. Alvina was notably known for her fry-bread, she had many orders to fill. We would like to thank everyone who brought her wild game throughout the years. Alvina never gave up her love of wild game. You could always find fresh deer meat, duck soup, fried fish and her favorite, turtle heart which we contribute to her strength and longevity. Alvina worked hard her entire life. Alvina worked many years for the Little Flower School and St. Michael’s Parish. Alvina was a seamstress, she hand-stitched many crazy quilts and hand-stitched a whole jingle dress for her first great grand-daughter. In1953 Alvina was blessed with a son, Duane Jackson, Sr., whom she taught life skills, hunting and fishing skills and traveled to many pow-wows with throughout the years. Alvina married Jerome Bear, together they had 2 sons. Peter Paul was born and died at birth. Leslie Dean Bear passed away in 1980 at the age of 13. Her husband Jerome Bear passed away in 1989. Alvina was the last surviving child of six born to Louis and Katherine Jackson. She is now reunited with her father, mother, sisters, and brothers. As we grieve her departure we’re comforted knowing her family is now welcoming her home. Mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt we will forever cherish our memories we have shared. We will always love you and miss you dearly. You will forever be in our hearts. Alvina’s Family Survived by son: Duane (Adeline) Jackson Sr. Adopted sons: Cedrick King, Sisseton, SD, Russell Brown, Tokio, ND Adopted daughter: Corrine Brown, St. Michael, ND Four grandchildren: Lonna (Richard) Jackson-Street, Darcie (Cory) Delorme, Karen Jackson, Duane (Brandi) Jackson Jr. Great grandchildren: Chaunce, Leslie “Chubbs”, Noah, also Kasen, Richie and Hunter, Dancia, Cameron, Collin, Sangeigh, Jackson and Greyson, Jonathan, Mallory, Roger III and Karsen, Jonah, Mahpiya, Drexel and Sundown. Great-great granddaughter: Baby Kori Preceded in death by: husband, Jerome Bear, sons; Leslie Dean & Peter Paul Bear, Parents; Louis & Katherine (Black) Jackson, Sisters; Rita, Marie & Joanne Jackson. Brothers: Louis Leon Jackson Sr. & Samuel Jackson, Niece; Wanda Ann Jackson, Nephews; Sam Jackson & Kenny Merrick Sr. We’d like to thank Heartland Care Staff, Mercy Hospice nurses, Barb Haugland & Brenda Hagie, Dr. Downs, Challsey Lawrence & Tracy “Buzz” Charboneau, Father Brian Moen & Mercy Hospital Honorary Pall-Bearers: Christine Alex, Sylvia Brownshield, Clifford Cavanaugh, Soloman Sherman, Stella Sherman Cavanaugh, Roger Brown, Jimmy Greene, Zachrey Thompson, Aloysius Cloud, Elmer Brown, George Cavanaugh, Glenn & Kathy Wallace, Russell & Edith Wallace, Pauline Greywater, Libby Littleghost, Helena Littleghost, Elaine Robertson, Marie Gunn, Marie Baker, Josie & Clarise Lawrence, Lilly & Francis Owlboy, Belgarde Family, Violet & Calvin Smith, Gloria Redroad, Isaac Mallard, Dianne Jackson, Doris Longie, Cecila Jones, Evelyn Ross, Sam Cloud, Verle Greywater, Yvonne Thompson, Gloria Greene, Beatrice Joramo, Vincent & Belva Greyhorn, Cecil Longie, Dan Cavanaugh, Carol Black, Della Belgarde, Frank Redroad, Cynthia Alberts, Louie & Jeannie Chaske, Sheila Thompson, Richard & Bonnie Yankton, Chris & Carol Anderson, Pam Baker, Alonzo Chico, Francis & Terry Halsey, Ernestine Herman, Catherine Howard, Debbie Adams, Victor & Bernie Jackson, Roger Yankton Sr., Celeste Herman, Anita & Alvin Bear, Belinda Longie, Sonya Knox, Frank & Myra Lohnes, Debbie Murphy-Cavanaugh, Laura Smith, Ella & Dale Perkins, Paul & Robin Lawrence, Phaedra Jackson, Natalie & Joel Redfox, Yvonne DuBois, Delphine Cavanaugh, Lavina Littlewind, Gemaine Demarce, Carmen Littlewind, Ambrose Littlewind Jr. Myra Pearson, Cheryl Good Iron and Spirit Lake Tribal Council.