Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Stella Tsetso was born in Fort Simpson, April 27, 1965. Stella was 54 years old when her Creator called her home. Her parents were George Cli and Annie Tsetso.
Stella was raised at two islands in the bush and came to the community of Fort Simpson when she was very young and spent the rest of her life in the service of others.
Stella was a powerful, silent presence of love, compassion, volunteerism, and community connection. Stella lived a simple life and focused primarily on her children and grandchildren. She was extremely close to each of them. Stella continuously gave of her time and volunteered for many events, always humbly giving and donating food of all kinds. Stella never wanted to be recognized or given credit, and she was content to give with a loving heart and always willing to share. Her generosity was felt throughout the Deh Cho. Stella was well-known and had many relatives in Tulita, Nahanni Butte, Jean Marie River, Fort Simpson, Sambaa K'e, and Wrigley.
Stella's legacy is found in her eight children, five girls and three boys, along with her sons-in-law and daughters-in-law. Stella was blessed with 14 beautiful, vibrant grandchildren, whom she loved very deeply.
Stella was not only the foundation of her family but was the cornerstone of each of her children's life. She taught her children the importance of loving, supporting one another through each celebration and the challenges they faced. Stella will be deeply and dearly missed by her long-term and devoted life partner, Randy Hetchenelle.
Stella would be proud to know that, throughout the heartache of losing the pillar of their lives, her children have remained close-knit and extremely supportive, loving one another through this incredible, life-changing event.
Stella was an amazing, talented, traditional sewer and was well-known for all her traditional crafts. Her bead work was impeccable. She took pride sewing for each of her children and grandchildren mukluks, mittens, slippers, hair barrettes, and moosehide gloves, each piece crafted with love and devotion.
With Stella's passing, she left a void that will not be filled. Her legacy of love, friendship, family commitment, and devotion to the family will live on in her children and grandchildren alike.
Lastly, Stella was known for her bannock, a secret family recipe that only her daughter Lisa knows how to make exactly like her mom's.
Thank you, Stella, for being the amazing woman that you were. Thank you for your children and grandchildren. Thank you for leaving your imprint on our lives and our communities. We will sadly miss you forever and always. Thank you.