Claudette Mae Cottonwood

Claudette M. (Cavanaugh) Cottonwood, “Cante Waste’ Winyan” (Good Hearted Woman) 56 of Fargo formerly of the Spirit Lake Nation, began her journey to the Spirit World on Thursday, April 9, 2020 at Sanford on Broadway Medical Center, Fargo, ND. 

Claudette Mae Cavanaugh was born on November 13, 1963 at Devils Lake ND, the daughter of Timothy and Kathleen (McDonald) Cavanaugh. She was reared and educated in the Fort Totten area, attending Four Winds High School, graduating with the class of 1983.  Claudette attended United Tribes and graduating with an Early Childhood Degree. 

Claudette was united in marriage to Timothy Cottonwood on July 24, 1998. They established their home in the Fort Totten area.  Over the years, Claudette had a day care in her home, taking care of many children until her health forced her to retire.  By then, dear Claudette had many nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great grandchildren to take care of her. 

Claudette was employed at Four Winds working in the Special Education Department for a period of time. She was also employed at Head Start Daycare.  Most recently, Claudette and Tim had moved to Fargo to be closer to some of her grandchildren. 

Claudette loved going to the Bingo’s and rummaging with her cuz Juanita and grandchildren. She enjoyed spending time on the phone with all her friends and relatives.  

Claudette was a member of Seven Dolors Catholic Church and St. Mary’s Society.

Claudette’s loving family include her husband Tim Cottonwood; adopted mother Linda Williams; sisters Cecilia Cavanaugh, Agnes (Cornelle) Cavanaugh and Adeline Cavanaugh; brother Conrad Cavanaugh; adopted sisters Darlys IronHawk, Delphine Longie, Holly Perry, Karlita Knight, Florence Masthat, Christi Goulet, Heidi Berlese, Tanya Fox, Marian Howard and Juanita Maye; adopted daughter Victoria Buffalo; adopted sons Mike Gabbard, Homer LittleOwl and Shane Stillday; adopted granddaughters Rosie Agard and Judy Smiley; godsons Kendall Cavanaugh, Nathan Cavanaugh and Antone Longie; goddaughter Heather Belgarde.

She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Patrick Cavanaugh, adopted brother Dion WhiteBear, grandparents Michael and Evelyn (WhiteThunder) McDonald, Percy and Elizabeth (TwoHearts) Cavanaugh and many beloved uncles and aunts.

Pallbearers: David WhiteThunder Trottier, Leander Russ McDonald, Ryan Cavanaugh, Montana Chaske, Mike Gabbard, Kelsin Cavanaugh, Emmanuel Medicine Stone, Lestat G. Howard, Nathan Cavanaugh and Jaydean Alberts.

Honorary Pallbearers: Cheryl Bull, Paula Corbine, Darlys IronHawk, Delphine Longie, Carol Brown, Kathi Reiter, Juanita Maye, Christy Goulet, Shane Stillday, Ann Wadsworth, Myra Quinn, Ronna Neidlinger, Tony and Vina McDonald, Justin McDonald, Aileen Littleghost, Heather Wakinyanhotonska, Ella Langstaff, Winfield Chaske Sr., Lorna Dubois WalkingEagle, Kay-Lyn Littlewind, Myra Cavanaugh, Susan Leftbear, Janice Feather, Janice Cooley, Louella RedFox and Waylon RedTomahawk.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday, April 15, 2020 from 12:00 noon until 4:00 p.m. As Claudette’s family we so appreciate your prayers and support but due to the COVID 19 restrictions we have limited numbers allowed and limited visitation times at the funeral home. A private Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday morning, April 16, 2020 with a graveside service at St. Jerome’s Catholic Cemetery at 12:00 noon on Thursday.  Social distancing must be followed at the graveside.  God Bless You.