Molly KSIONZENA

Molly was born on October 13,1945 in Pelly Banks (River), YT. She was raised on Kaska territory in Southern Yukon; family memories often spoken about were at Beautiful Lake, Pelly Banks, Ross River, Old Ross and “way up” in the mountains. At age 17, she met and married Mike Ksionzena in Whitehorse, YT and then moved to Coleman, AB in 1963. They were the original “Mike & Molly.” The young couple then lived in Michel-Natal, BC for a number of years to be closer to Mike’s work (sawmill and then coalmine), before learning that land “up the valley” was for sale. Shortly before the birth of their only daughter, Jennifer, they purchased the acreage near Sparwood, BC where Molly lived from age 25 until her passing at age 77.

Molly’s love for the outdoors began by learning to live on the land from her Elders. She spoke fondly of learning to set snares, training dogs to carry packs, picking berries and taking the dog sled to Ross for supplies. This love for the land continued when she met Mike who enjoyed “taking walks in the mountains.” The walks were actually scaling peaks in the Crowsnest Pass requiring a high level of skill (e.g. Crowsnest and Window). Molly enjoyed mountain climbing, berry/mushroom picking, camping and medicine gathering during her life.

Molly was skilled at crochet, often gifting her friends and family with items she made herself. She was also was an avid reader who frequented the library and would often weave into a conversation, “did you know,” and share facts not widely known that she had read about. She also loved music, listening to live bands, cassettes, etc., but also enjoying live guitar daily as Mike was a skilled guitar player. Spanish and Flamenco guitar being the music often heard in the household.

After Mike’s passing in 2009, her roommates, Ron Cameron and Alice Cameron became like family and the three formed an Elders “Three’s Company” on the acreage. Molly’s special godson, Stuart Smith, who checked in on them daily, ensured acreage upkeep and cooked meals for the Elders, lovingly assisting all three.

Molly enjoyed her trips up north to the Yukon and Granisle, BC with Jennifer. These trips were the delight of Molly’s year because she was all about friends and family. This was also a time to enjoy traditional foods such as moose, caribou, porcupine, arctic grayling and salmon, in which Molly craved all year. The Kaska language was important to Molly and during her visits; she had an opportunity to speak her language. Molly was always drawn to place her feet back on the land in Kaska territory.

The most important part of Molly’s life was her relationships. She loved people. People could not help but smile upon seeing her warm smile and sparkling eyes and then hearing her kind greeting. Phone calls or cards communicated this love on birthdays and anniversaries. She saw the good in everyone and shared positive thoughts about all.

Molly was a dedicated mother and taught her only daughter, Jennifer, that the most important things in life were to love others, let bygones be bygones and to look on the positive side of things even during hard times.

During the last year of her life, she had a difficult cancer diagnosis, ailments, surgeries, and treatments. Molly remained incredibly strong through it all. She stayed upbeat, did the therapies that were recommended and was an absolute delight to hospital staff and roommates with her sense of humour and optimism. The choice by family to have palliative care in home ensured that her last days were spent in a place most familiar to her with dear ones at her side either in-person or by video/phone call.

Molly was a beautiful soul who will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

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