Esther F. Abraham

Esther F. Abraham, Waziyata Iyoyanpa Wi,(Northern Lights Woman) 70, entered the Spirit World on Thursday July 26, 2018. Esther blessed the world with her presence on November 11, 1947, youngest of 10 siblings. She is the daughter of Jerome (Oyesna) and Jennie (Mazakahomni) Abraham.

Esther attended elementary school in Fort Totten, ND. This was a challenge, due to the fact, that Esther’s first language is the Dakota language and school was taught in the English language. Esther graduated from High School from Maddock in 1966. Esther obtained her Associates of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts from Little Hoop Community College in 1988. After attaining her education, Esther did not delay utilizing her academic skills. She successfully gained employment with the Spirit Lake Tribe, serving as the Director for several tribal programs such as; Families First, Family Circle Tipi, Spirit Lake Food Pantry, Spirit Lake Group Home and Spirit Lake Senior Service Program. Esther was a natural born entrepreneur and leader. She took the initiative to plan, structure and implement the Spirit Lake Food Pantry in the Woodlake District. This program is still in operation today. Esther also established the Group Home to serve the youth of the Tribe. When asked about her accomplishments, she was not one to boast, but would simply reply, “Its common sense, if you have a vision and dream, put it into action and make it happen.” Esther was bilingual, her first language being Dakota and second being English.

Our beautiful mother was caring, compassionate, generous, encouraging, determined, motivated and loving. She met and married the love of her life, Garry Dean Gourd and to this union three children were born; Loren, Margo and June Gourd.

Our mother will be so greatly missed beyond what any words can express. She is gone but will never be forgotten to all that knew her. She has left behind a legacy that her family is very proud of. She meant the world to her daughters and grandchildren.

Esther was the proud grandmother of eight and great-grandmother of five. She enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren whom she cherished and meant the world to her. She enjoyed traveling, shopping, visiting family and friends, cooking and trying new recipes for her family.

A family and close friend wake service will be held at Esther’s residence on the Abraham Homestead in St. Michael. Prayer service will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 31, 2018.

Funeral service will be held on Wednesday, August 1, 2018 at the Bdecan Church in Woodlake, ND, Pastor Larry Theile officiating, beginning at 10:00 a.m. The procession from Esther’s residence to the church will begin at her residence.

Casket bearers; Dion and Daniel Peterson, Joshua Tweeton, Jeffrey Whiteshield, Donald Webber Jr., and Sencio Eckland.

Survived by; loving daughter & best friend June Gourd-Yankton, daughter-Margo Gourd, Grandson/Traditional Son- Dion James Peterson, Granddaughter/Traditional Daughter- Luvenna Heaven Azure, Granddaughters Lexie Jo Azure, Justice K. Yankton, Jennie Gourd-Peterson and Samantha Eckland. Sister- Sylvia Webber. Nephews- Glen Abraham, Donald Webber Jr., Joshua Webber, Dallas Webber, Jacob Abraham, Stanley, Wesley and Calvin Littlewind and Vance Thompson. Nieces- Barbara Olds, Kay Kickertz, Lora Lee Abraham and Eunice Davidson. Great-Grandchildren- Myla and Malerie Ramon, Shyne, Serenity and Seth Peterson.