Jacey-Lee Margaret (Waterchief) Whitney

In Loving Memory of Jacey Lee Margaret Whitney (Waterchief)
July 31, 1985 – September 3, 2025

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of our beloved Jacey Lee Margaret Whitney (Waterchief), who was called home on September 3, 2025, at the age of 40.
Jacey was born on a beautiful Wednesday morning, July 31, 1985, at the Holy Cross Hospital in Mohkinstsis. On that day, the world became brighter — and on her final day, she took her last breath on earth and her first in heaven.

Jacey was a proud and devoted mother to Treyton (Debra), Tatum, and Tru Whitney. She shared a lifelong bond with their father, Joel Whitney, her childhood sweetheart whom she married on September 10, 2011. Together, they made their home on the Tsuut’ina Nation, where Jacey built a life grounded in love, faith, and family.
Jacey made her Cursillo in 2008, with her beloved aunt Harvina Red Crow as her Rectora. Her theme song was “Amazing Grace,” which continued to guide her through life. She faithfully followed her Fourth Day in the Cursillo movement and found great joy in serving on Cursillo weekends, working alongside her beautiful sisters in Christ. The most recent Cursillo she attended was on Mother’s Day weekend of this year, where she was part of the music team — a role she thoroughly enjoyed. It was there that she made her singing debut, lifting her voice in praise and love, leaving a lasting impression on everyone who heard her.

She is survived by her loving parents, Alvin Jr. and Leandra Calf; her siblings, Bo, Cassidy, God sister Meryl and adopted sister Laura Big Tobacco; her godparents Mario, Lorelee, and Beryl Waterchief; uncles Ira (Lydia), Wesley, Marcel (Delores), Avery, Shane (Melanie), Eddy, aunties Raymonda, Lorelee, Carla, Gina, Bertina (Tom), Gina (Lance), Beryl, Tracy (Tim), Alvina (Darrell), Sheila (Phil), Sandra, Shelley, Pam (Jason) and Laura (Dennis), Great uncles and aunts Larry and Mario (Karen) Waterchief, Jacqueline Big Bull, Claudia Patrick, Victoria, Wanda and Sharon Calf Robe. Her nephews and nieces Jarren, Harmony, Melody, Claire, Jude, Sunnie Ru and Otis. She cherished her God children Christian, Taylor, Max, Hayven, Jarren, Claire, Margo, Ashlyn and Sunnie Ru, her in-laws Peter, Lisa, Destiny, Dallas, Dillion, Jewel and Jada. She also leaves behind her cherished fur babies, Sven and Cube.
Jacey was predeceased by her grandparents Alvin and Donna Calf, and Raymond and Rev. Margaret Waterchief; her uncle and aunties Ernest, Shannon, and Arlene; and her beloved first cousins, whom she considered siblings: Raymond, T.J., Stoney, Shawna, and Jim.

She grew up on the Siksika Nation, attending school both there and in Calgary, and later pursued post-secondary education at Mount Royal University. During her school years, Jacey discovered her passion for basketball — a sport that reflected her strength, energy, and spirit.

Jacey had a radiant presence — vibrant, kind, classy, friendly, and yes, wonderfully bougee. She was creative and artistic, with a natural talent for beauty in all its forms. She worked at the Tsuut’ina Daycare Centre before becoming Senior Sales Supervisor at White Eagle Native Crafts under Diane Dodging Horse, where she worked for many years. Following her time at White Eagle she became an entrepreneur creating and selling her own beautiful work — jewellery, food, gift baskets, beaded art, decorated cutting boards, and more. Her creativity, talent, and charisma touched everyone who knew her. Jacey was also a gifted facilitator — known for leading icebreakers and energizers at conferences and gatherings, always bringing people together with laughter and ease. Most recently, she was honored with the role of MC at the family gathering — a reflection of her natural leadership and presence.
Jacey was also a model. Her final modeling show was when she took part in Finest Feathers “Building Bridges Beyond Borders” First International Indigenous Fashion Show during the Calgary Stampede week.

Jacey’s heart was most at peace in the mountains — her favorite place on earth.
Above all, Jacey’s greatest joy and purpose was her family. She poured her heart and soul into motherhood, raising her children with fierce love, strength, and unwavering faith.
Jacey leaves behind a legacy of warmth, resilience, creativity, and love — a beautiful soul who will be missed beyond words but never forgotten.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jacey-Lee Margaret (Waterchief) Whitney, please visit our floral store.