Obituary of Becky Julian

JULIAN, Mary Rebecca "Becky" -  Affectionately known to many as ‘Grammy Beck’ and ‘Auntie Beck’ of Indian Brook 14, Sipekne’katik First Nation. As she was in her life, surrounded by her family and friends, Becky began her peaceful journey to the spirit world at home on February 10, 2025, at the age of 83. Born in New Town on Indian Brook Reserve on April 23, 1941, she was the daughter of Mary Ellen Pictou and Francis Levi Thomas.

Given the spirit name, Nuji Wina’muit (The one who teaches), Becky was a respected Mi’kmaw elder and community matriarch. A fluent Mi’kmaw speaker and survivor of the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School (1945-1949). Becky’s life exemplifies the importance of cultural resilience and the power of knowledge-sharing. Becky was an educator and spent her life preserving and promoting Mi’kmaw culture, language, traditions, and cultural knowledge. She was a crafter making baskets, beadwork and was well known for her wooden roses. Becky’s journey has been marked by resilience, determination, and success. Her passion for teaching and cultural preservation led her to become a certified linguist in 1984 and through her teachings, crafts and leadership, she has uplifted and inspired generations of students to embrace their language and culture. Becky’s efforts have been recognized through numerous accolades, including the Grand Chief Donald Marshall Senior Memorial Elder Award, NSCC Language Keeper Award Wela’liek ta’n teli Melkuktmin L’nui’suti’minu, and an Honorary Doctorate from Cape Breton University.

While it is difficult and seemingly unjust to attempt to summarize such a meaningful and worthy life in a few paragraphs, let us begin by saying, Becky’s life story is one of profound strength, resilience, compassion, humor, and love.  She was the absolute definition of a ‘good people.’

If you ever had the honor and privilege of sitting down with Becky for a chat with a fresh pot of pitewey (tea) on the stove, or in a classroom full of youngsters, you would agree she had your full and undivided attention as she shared her stories with you.  A lot of her stories of her younger years are unimaginable for most people.  Stories that you might think would leave you bitter and unkind if it was your story.  But not Becky, while she struggled and overcame many obstacles during her life, she did it with love, honor and respect.  Through it all, Becky was such a beautiful, kind-hearted, and giving woman.  An Educator to the fullest extent of its meaning.

Becky’s humor was one of her many great attributes.  She was full of quick wit and sarcasm.  She was never stuck for words or comical gestures that were certain to bring a big ol belly laugh to her audience.  She had the ability to turn a less than favorable situation into a more desirable one, simply with her sense of humor. She was remarkable!

She loved thrift shopping.  Her and her buddy, Marylou, would take off in the morning to hit up all the thrift shops they possibly could.  One time, Grandad (Becky’s late husband) called Keith to ‘tell on Becky’ for not being home yet.  Keith called the police.  They tracked them down at a local gaming room and amidst all their tapping and winning, they just simply lost track of time.  The two of them (and eventually the rest of us too) had a good chuckle over that one. 

Becky had so many things to be proud of in her life, but it was her family she was most proud of.  Her sense of pride whenever she spoke of her kids and grandkids was obvious.  She made it to as many sports events as she could to watch them play and cheer them on.  But look out, if any of them met her for a round of horseshoes, the gloves were off! She had pride not pity! 

Becky also defeated the odds several times with her health.  She played knicky, knicky nine doors at heaven’s gates many times over the past 20 years.  She’s had some very close calls but always made an unbelievable rebound.  Then off to Value Village or an Elder’s conference of some sort she’d go.  She was a relentless fighter in every aspect of the term, never giving up.

After her husband of 61 years passed away, 3 years ago, almost to the day, Becky always said she wanted to catch up to his age (83) and that anything after that was gravy.  As much as they were connected to each other in their physical world, they remained connected from the spirit world too.  Twenty one days after Grandad went into the hospital, he passed away peacefully at home on Feb 15th.  Twenty one days after Becky went to the hospital, she too, passed away peacefully at home on Feb 10th. They are together again, wholly and completely.  Both were 83 years of age when they joined their ancestors.  It’s an exceptional love story that truly has no end.

Becky's final teaching for us all, would be to try and understand that no matter what happens to you in your life, or to your loved ones or how unfair you feel you have been treated, it is the work, self-care and a great amount of determination that will get you through it.  We are all educators.  The content and importance of what we teach to others is ultimately up to us.  Make good choices for yourself and for your families.

Please know, there are no words that can express how important our Elder Becky was to our Mi’Kmaw Nation as a Bear (Muin) Clan Grandmother.  It is through her sharing of her life’s journey and experiences that those teachings will live on through us.  Her work here is complete, and now it is our responsibility to carry on these teachings and pass them onto the generations to come.

We would like to take this time to express our utmost gratitude and thanks to Becky’s previous and most recent healthcare providers.  Collectively, they took such great care and showed great concern and compassion for her.  Her GP, Dr. Bachar Chalati; Medical Unit at Colchester East Hants Health Center, and the NS Palliative Care team; Dawn Ross, Sipekne’katik Health Center and her most recent homecare worker, Carol. Your compassion and unending care for our Mother, Gram and Auntie is greatly appreciated. Thank you all, for all you did. We’lalioq.

Becky is survived by her children; Stephen Douglas (Christine); Wanda; Anita (Robert); Keith (Lea-Ann); Raymond (Cheyenne); Ashley (Izzy). 16 Grandchildren, 23 Great grandchildren. Sisters, Mary Imelda (Hubba) of Paq’tnkek, and Ella (Junior) Barlow of Indian Island. Godson, Jason Pictou and her very best friend, Marylou Bernard. Several step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Becky was predeceased by her husband, Stephen (Ekien) Joseph Julian; her children; infant son, Walter; Louis (Sam); Patricia (Patsy); her grandson, Sammy Boy. Siblings; Francis (Frank); Annie Mae Pictou-Aquash.

Visitation will be held 4 PM Thursday February 13th at 31 Sesame Street, Indian Brook. Funeral service will take place at 2 PM on Monday February 17, 2025, in St. Kateri’s Roman Catholic Church, Indian Brook. There will be a closing of the casket ceremony beginning at 1 PM followed by procession to the church. Father Phil Thibodeau officiating. Burial in St. Catherine’s Cemetery, Indian Brook to follow. A meal will be held in the Indian Brook Community Centre followed by a salite'.

A livestream of the Funeral Service will begin at 1:55pm https://event.forgetmenotceremonies.com/ceremony?c=7ddd8033-a2c3-4410-9a17-092406abbf85

We encourage viewers to pre-register for the stream to assure that you're able to watch the service live.  A recording of the service will be available later for viewing.

Donations in Becky’s memory may be made to Ashley, AshleyRJulian@gmail.com. Tributes, words of comfort and memories can be shared with the family at www.ettingerfuneralhome.com