With great sadness and profound love, we announce the passing of our mother, Georgina Tripe-de-Roche, at the age of 82 years.

Georgina is lovingly remembered by her daughter Michelle Tripe-de-Roche, her daughter Kim (Raul) Salazar, her son Mark (Evann & expected son 2021) Tripe-de-Roche, best friend for life, Bunny Koosel, and extended family and friends.

She is predeceased by her parents, Boniface & Adeline Tripe-de-Roche.

Georgina was born on the Athabasca River and was raised in Fort Chipewyan, Alberta. She attended Red Deer College and was employed in social work in her early years. She worked the remainder of her career for Alberta Health Services, as a hospital administrator.

In 1996, the Edmonton Journal highlighted Georgina in an article when the Charles Camsell Hospital closed their doors for the final time. As a young teenager, she made her first trip to Edmonton to stay at the hospital as a tuberculosis patient and returned in 1972 as an employee. In a special ceremony called, Moving On, they chose our mom to symbolically wrap a chain around the doors.

During her retirement, Georgina was contracted by the University of Alberta to co-author a Dëne language dictionary. She was incredibly proud of this achievement.

Moreover, mom loved a good campfire, berry picking, was an avid fan of Derek Hough on ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and was a champion bannock-maker. Despite her lived experience in residential school, she remained proud of her Indigeneity and faith in God.

We extend our gratitude to:

• Our auntie, Alma McDonald, who travelled to Edmonton numerous times to be by her side,

• Our cousin, Sheila Stewart, who travelled from Yellowknife to assist in her care,

• Rober Sorial, of WeCare Pharmacy, who treated our mom like gold and, 

• Dr. Samuel Fanous, of Pilgrims Hospice Society, who took the time to visit our mom at home and provide her with outstanding care.

We thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

Our mom is now reunited with her big sister, Agatha Stewart, predeceased in October 1988, and her little sister, Julie. She also reunites with furry family members, Sebastian and Dolly, whom she often cared for and are probably smothering her with kisses.  

Mom, we will miss your soup and bannock, your love of Coronation Street and, most of all, your sweet demeanor. 

An intimate Celebration of Georgina’s Life will be held at a later date. Friends may email Michelle at michelle.genee@outlook.com for more information. 

Fly, fly, fly high against the sky
So high I almost touch the sky
Thank you, thank you
Thank God for you, the wind beneath my wings 

(Wind Beneath My Wings, Bette Midler)