Myrtle Calahaisn

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Myrtle Calahaisn, of Edmonton, Alberta, on February 16, 2026, at age 94.

Myrtle was born on the Saddle Lake reserve in northern Alberta to Moriah Cardinal and Solomon Steinhauer before being taken to residential school as a young girl. She survived that experience and went on to live a long and wonderful life where she had nine children with her late husband of over 50 years, Walter Calahaisn.

In her younger life Myrtle ran a janitorial business, ran a store with her late husband selling Indigenous crafts, and worked with her various communities on Indigenous rights issues. Later in life she travelled the world with her partner John, often taking part in Veteran’s events and celebrations. She was also a member on various boards and circles throughout Alberta. She was a recipient of a Queen Elizabeth 11 Diamond Jubilee Medal by the Federal Government of Canada for dedicated community work and her work with the Aboriginal Veterans. She was also awarded a Queen Elizabeth 11 Platinum Jubilee Medal for her work at the Edmonton Friendship Centre. Her impact will be lasting, as well as her infections smile, and laugh that brought joy to any who were around her.

Myrtle is survived by her longtime partner John McDonald, her four children Walter Calahaisn, Yvonne Calahaisn, Freda Dodginghorse, and Earla Calahaisn, along with her sisters Christine Wigger (Vivier) and Edith Lamarche (Vivier). She has sixteen grandchildren: Francine Cunningham, Jennifer Sockett, Sabrina Da Silva, Leah MacNeill, Scott Calahaisn, Corey Calahaisn, Dale Dodginghorse, Jessica Louise, Kaylee Townend, Chelsea Townend, Kristy Townend, Amy Calahasin, Peter Crane, Vanessa Crane, Natalie Heppell and countless great-grandchildren.

She is predeceased by her husband Walter, and her five children Stewart Calahaisn, Johnny Calahaisn, Joanne Tymo, Sharon Cunningham, May Crane and her grandson Monty Dodginghorse. As well as her brothers Vern Vivier, Arnold Vivier, and Benny Vivier.

“Some of the greatest lessons of life that I have learned are to respect life and to respect the wisdom of the other people. I try to help others in any way possible as that is what we are here for. My grandmother taught me this valuable lesson of being humble and sacrificing, even if she only had one bannock left she would give it to someone else. My grandmother influenced me to be persistent and to live for tomorrow. Some of my earliest happiest moments of my life were when I was with my grandmother, Mrs. Sarah Cardinal. Sarah was a survivor and was always busy doing something. My grandmother was motivated to get things done. No matter if she had aches and pains, she always found it within herself to help out. They always went to the bush to get what they could for the family to survive. They put out snares for hunting and often they would get different types of game to provide for the family. They used to use gunnysacks to carry whatever they could get from nature. They were always provided for. My desire for life comes from my grandmother who TAUGHT ME TO NEVER EVER GIVE UP. I want to see the best for my children and my great grandchildren. We only have one life to live, and I choose to live in happiness.”

- Myrtle Calahasin

There will be a private gathering for Mrytle on Friday February 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM, those wishing to view via LiveStream, may do so by accessing the following link: LiveStreamMyrtleCalahasin

The family would like to invite those who knew Myrtle to a Celebration of Life to be held spring/summer 2026 (Date to be announced soon). For those inquiring about donating either funds or help for the celebration please message her granddaughter Francine Cunningham through her website www.francinecunningham.ca.

Hiy Hiy