Suzette Lynn Tree Top

Suzette Lynn Tree Top, “Cánte Omakiya Win” (Helpful Hearted Woman) passed away on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at Altru Hospital, Grand Forks, ND.

Our beloved baby sister and mother was born to the late David Tree Top Sr. and Marie Phillips-Thomas, one of the Cekpas born on June 8, 1990 in Bismarck, ND. She was the baby of all her siblings on both sides. Her childhood years were in Wakpala, South Dakota until 1998, then the family moved to the Spirit Lake Nation.

Suzette attended MInnewaukan Public School up to the 11^th grade. This is where she met the father of her oldest, Sean Dauphinais. Together they had Tazanna Raelee Dauphinais. They remained together for 8 years then both went their separate ways, but continued to co-parent. 

While working at the Spirit Lake Casino for a year, she met the father of her baby girl, Savannah Marie Kay Tree Top-Beranek. Together she and Dylan Beranek tried the relationship thing but ended up going their own way.

Suzette was very proud of her two baby girls and tried the best she could to provide for them. She was always working, a firm believer of “not depending on anyone cause if you do, shit won’t get done.”

She had a heart of gold, a smile that radiated like the Sun and a personality that was caring and welcoming. Almost anyone and everyone she met, she soon befriended. Therefore she had friends wherever she went. She always gave them the benefit of the doubt even after they selfishly took from her, they must’ve needed it that’s why they did it to    me, karma will get em. Her generosity and compassion will always be remembered. If you asked for help and she didn’t have whatever you asked, she would say, “I’ll find a way.” She would give the shirt off her back if she had to.

Our baby sister loved life and lived it to the fullest, but was humble while doing so. She became disabled but never let that stand in her way, she was adventurous and always testing the waters.

She carried the Lakota name Cánte Omakiya Win which translates to Helpful Hearted Woman, a name passed to her from her mother, she was exactly this. Her willingness and selfless acts of kindness will be remembered and the moments we shared will be forever cherished. Our baby sister is now truly an angel now, just as she was to all that knew her here on earth. Baby sister, you did not go alone, as a part of us went with you so journey safe on your way home.

Suzette is survived by her daughters Tazanna Raelee Dauphinais-Tree Top and Savannah Marie Kay Tree-Top-Beranek; Cekpa; Zachariah Tree Top and brothers Alfred John HasHorns-Brush Horns and David Tree Top Jr; sisters Holly Tree Top and Helen Tree Top; brother-in-law Joseph Blueshield; maternal aunts Karen TwoHearts, Robin WalkingBull and Selina Abraham; maternal uncle Terry Phillips; paternal aunts Olena Village Center, Rosey Tree Top, Lois Tree Top and Deborah Tiger; paternal uncle Michael Tree Top Jr.; special niece Julissa Charboneau and nieces and nephews Aimee Marie, Elijah, Josias Donovan, Annette Amy, Vincent Charles, Zakiah and Zakeus; special uncles Phillip LaBlanc and Presley Howard; special friends Sean Dauphinais and Dylan Beranek; many relatives in South Dakota too numerous to mention.

She was preceded in death by her mother Marie Phillips Thomas, father David Tree Top Sr., step father Richard Thomas, paternal grandparents Michael and Helen Tree Top, paternal aunt Norma Tree Top-Snyder, cousin Bradley Agard, maternal grandparents Sherman and Annette Phillips, maternal uncles Sherman Jr. and Larry Phillips, aunt Bernadine Phillips-UsesMany, special friend Krissy Richotte and numerous other dear relatives.

Pallbearers will be D’Onna LaBlanc, Rae Donna Feather, Jaylin Dauphinais, Nikiya Elk, Bonnie Birdsbill, Angie Bull and Marilyn WhiteTail. Marlene Dauphanias.

Honorary Bearers: Renita and Dallas Delorme, Josie Lawrence, Jerry BlackBird, Waylon and Anissa RedTomahawk, Terry and Catalina Herman and family, Larry and Darla Thiele, Joe and Danielle Donnell, Arlyss Littlewind and family, Merle and Naomi Richotte, Eunice and Robin Green and family, Terry and Pamela Herman, Jordan Schmidt and son, Bernice Elk, , Jeremy and Marlene Dauphinais and family, all first cousins on our Mom’s and her Dad’s side, June Blueshield, Aunt Anna Thomas and family, Tioga WhiteTail and family, Delvita GoodIron and Colton Anderson, Derika Dunn, Lori “Faye” WhiteTail, Sara LaCroix and family, all friends she had in the Old Housing. Our extended tios’paye from South Dakota, Spirit Lake EMS crew, Classmates from Minnewaukan Public School, Kris White, Robby Richotte family, Anna Rene Chaske and family, Clarice Jones and family, Jason Archondo, Celton Feather. Anyone and everyone who she friended. We did not intentionally forget anyone, there is too many to mention. Please forgive us and we do apologize.

Hunka relatives in the Lakota way: mother Catherine Charboneau-Touche, sisters Kayla Walking Elk, Rae Donna Feather, Quayla Feather, Kaylee Dauphinais, Shannon Kenner and brothers Chuck Walking Elk l,  Louis BlackLance Jr. and Elton Demarce,

The Wake will be on Thursday, March 9, 2023 at Dakotah Oyate Lutheran Church, rural Tokio, ND beginning at 5:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service and time of remembrance at 7:00 p.m.  The procession to Tokio will leave at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday from City Plaza, Devils Lake.

Funeral Services will be on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. at the church with Reverend Larry Thiele officiating. Burial will be at a later date.