Mary Lena Bighetty, 77, of Pukatawagan, Manitoba, passed away at the nursing station on September 14, 2026. A beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend to many, she will be cherished and deeply missed forever.

Her Life

Born September 29, 1948, in Clearwater Lake, Manitoba, to Rose Francois and George McKay, Mary spoke Cree fluently. She loved beadwork, fishing and ice fishing, attending Sunday services and visiting with Elders, listening to country music, and spending time with friends and family. She made those around her feel special by giving each person a Cree name. She loved celebrating her birthday day with brother the late Arthur Sinclair.

Family

Mary's sister was Marie Rosie Nicholas. Her children include John McKay, Edwin McKay, Ramona McKay, and Eleanor McKay; and her brother, William Morin.

Mary was married to Hyacinth Bighetty. Their children include Arthur McKay; Marcel McKay and his children; Allison Edward Bighetty; Marlene Bighetty and her children—Arthur "Matthew," Heaven and her children, Destiny and her children, Sunshine, Hyacinth, Sunset, Hope, Sakastew and Abel; Hyacinth "Mouse" Bighetty Jr.; Edward Allison Bighetty; Travis Bighetty and his children; Colleen Daniels; Rose Morin; William Daniels.

She is also remembered by her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, too numerous to mention individually.

Her goddaughter is Melanie (Lloyd) Bird.

Her sisters-in-law include Suzanne Bighetty and her children and granddaughters—Amber, Almyra and Kimberly—and their children; Marietta Bighetty; Bella; Hilda; Lillian; and Theresa Bighetty and family. Her brothers-in-law include William, John, Rene, and Mark; sister-in-law, Barbra Sinclair;

Her nieces and nephews include Helen (Clarence), Julianna (Dwayne), Juliette (Kenneth), Zilpah (Dion), and Rose (Jonathan), Bonnie (Abraham), May, Amanda (Melvin), Collins, Brent (Kezia), Sylvia (Victor), Melanie (Lloyd), Lana, April, Flora, and Ernest Monias and his children.

Predeceased

Mary was predeceased by parents Rose Francois and George McKay; Victoria Bear; her brother-in-law, Lawrence Francois; siblings Pauline Morin, Arthur Sinclair. If we forgot anyone it was not intentional.

Mary Lena had a lot of family and friends. She loved everyone and gave them special names. Her favorite song was "Forever is a long, long time" by Ernest Monias.

WAKE SERVICE

Thursday, Sept. 24, 2026

Sacred Heart Catholic Church,

Pukatawagan, MB

FUNERAL SERVICE

Friday, Sept. 25, 2026

10:00 am

Sacred Heart Catholic Church,

Pukatawagan, MB

Presider:

Father Dhana Amarlapudi

INTERMENT

Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery,

Pukatawagan, MB

PALLBEARERS

All Lena's

Family and Friends.