August 31, 1970 - December 12, 2024

In Loving Memory

Maritta Myers (Delorey)

Maritta Myers (Delorey), A.K.A. Bam (54 years), and yes, the nickname is Bam Bam from the Flintstones ha-ha. Bam decided it was time to check out and investigate heaven after hearing it's a beautiful and peaceful place.Well, my fingers and toes are crossed that's where I am actually going ha-ha. I choose to writemy own obituary to use my own words and voice. Plus, I didn't want this added responsibility to fall on my sister's shoulders literally. Bam is from Tracadie, Nova Scotia, and has lived in Yellowknife most of her life and battled cancer for 4 years. Bam enjoyed seeing Vicki and John's family dog, Nelly.

Bam was the loving and dedicated mother to Marissa (Missy) and devoted daughter to the late Rita Delorey (Burns) and George Delorey and was the youngest sibling to Vicki (John) McKay and Dr. Kevin Delorey.

At a very young age, I had two main goals in mind: I knew I wanted to become a mother someday and at eleven, I knew my heart and passion was to work with individuals with disabilities as a career path. The focus was always on the individual's ABILITIES/ STRENGTHS. This heart-warming passion, knowledge and experience came from the sweetest little girl who was born with a physical and developmental disability. She was a next-door neighbour, although she felt more like a sister figure as I spent a lot of time with her, which I truly enjoyed. I loved her big innocent smile and laughter. She captured my heart. For this reason, I dedicated my life to work with people with "ABILITIES". I first started working in group home(s) and then with organizations in different career positions over the years. In order to effectively help I knew I needed and wanted to further my education. I received a diploma in Social Work from Northern Lakes College in Alberta and went on to complete a Bachelor of SocialWork degree from the University of Calgary. After working in the field for several years as a case manager with the GNWT, I returned to the university and started working on a graduate certificate specializing in mental health and addictions from Dalhousie University.

Becoming a mother was a dream/goal that came true. Although, it happened when I least expected it. I was a third-year University student and was pregnant, but thank goodness I was not 19 and barefoot ha-ha I became a mother at the age of 38. I also was a single mother from day one.Marissa grew up knowing I played both mother and father roles. Life wasn't always easy doing everything on my own in "all aspects" of her life, but thank goodness I had the support of a loving and supportive family and friends.

Thank you to my beautiful and loving daughter for being your mother/father. You have taught me so much on a daily basis. You certainly challenged me many, many times over the years, but at the end of the day, I was always proud to call you my sweet girl. I always put you first from day one, and any decisions I made over the years were made with "OUR" best interest at heart. Please know that I always tried my best to be a good mother and worked very hard at it every single day. Although, some days were much easier than others. I know you will go on to do great things with your hard-working ethics, fun-loving heart, determination and compassionate soul. You were the most important person in my life and always will be. I will be your biggest cheerleader from up above, always and forever.

To my sister, my rock, who chose to stand by my side during the darkest of days (when I was diagnosed with terminal cancer) and made the days much brighter, happier and oh-so funny "EH BUDDY" (inside joke ha-ha). Without your support, loving heart and sense of humour, it would have made the cancer diagnosis and journey so much worse. Being silly and having fun made each day better and enjoyable regardless of how I felt. You always put a smile on my face and supported Marissa and me no matter what and without judgement. As you know we had to discuss very heavy topics and plan for when I won't be here. Always know that I am with you and will visit when I can ha-ha (inside joke). I know Marissa will be in good hands and will continue with the support and lifestyle she is accustomed to, which makes my heart so happy. Although I completely understand that this new journey will be no easy task, please remain patient, calm and open-minded during the difficult and challenging days as a guardian/parent.

A big heartfelt thank you to all my loving and devoted supporters. You made this journey and my days so much brighter and manageable and filled my heart with so much love and joy. And, to all the strangers who came out of the woodwork to join our support team, words cannot express my gratitude and appreciation. There are too many to thank personally, but I hope you know who you are. Please continue to be there for my daughter and sister, as they will need your love, comfort, strength and support in the coming hours, days, weeks, months and years ahead.

There will be no mass or church service. However, there will be a Celebration of Life (Sis, you and Marissa can decide where and when), and please have fun, dance, tell jokes, be silly and"lighten up". Oh yes, please use as much hairspray as possible in your hair of course ha-ha.

When, all is said and done, it's the people in our lives that make life special.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Vicki at vickiandjohnmckay@yahoo.ca for Marissa's Education Fund.

A Heartfelt Thank

You We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who supported us throughout Maritta's journey. Maritta received excellent medical care at the Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton. We are especially thankful to Dr.Walker, Dr. Smylie, and the Radiation Therapy Department for their compassionate and expert care. Your dedication and kindness provided comfort and hope during a challenging time.

At the Stanton Territorial Health Authority, words cannot adequately convey our appreciation for the incredible care and kindness shown by the Oncology Clinic Program, Chemotherapy Unit, and Cancer Navigation Program. At every appointment, we were met with professionalism, compassion, empathy, and-most importantly for us-a touch of humour. Each team member left a lasting impression with their kindness and understanding.

Thank you to the many dedicated physicians for your unwavering support and care in the Chemotherapy, Emergency, Surgery, and Pediatric units. We would also like to acknowledge the exceptional staff in Surgical Day Care, ACC, Lab, D.I., PCC, General Surgery, and the O.R. Your expertise and compassion made a world of difference to us.

To the wonderful Home Care staff, thanks very much. We also feel the importance of recognizing how much your services are needed and not being discharged when future services are required. We also recognize the NSWOC nursing staff for their attentive and compassionate care.

To Maritta's wonderful family physician, Dr. Jacqueline Tan, your compassion and dedication meant so much to us. Our gratitude also extends to Dr. Zachary Bordman and Victoria with the NWT Central Coordinating Service, whose efforts ensured Maritta's wishes for a peaceful and dignified passing were honoured.

We are immensely thankful to the board members, past and present at Borealis Housing Cooperative, for their support and understanding and to Stacie and the incredible team at Yellowknife Co-op Pharmacy for their kindness. A heartfelt thank you also goes to Mckenna Funeral Home for your compassionate guidance during this difficult time.

Maritta's passion for helping others shone brightly in her work with YWCA and Inclusion NWT (formerly the Yellowknife Association for Community Living). These organizations meant so much to her, and we know she would be honoured by your support.

To everyone who was part of this journey, we cannot thank you enough for the care, love, and understanding you showed Maritta and our family.