Marie Elena Brady Sanchez, Cheyenne name Otseohtse’e, passed away August 9, 2019 at Riverstone Hospice in Billings, Montana.
Born April 30, 1939 in Lame Deer, Montana, Marie was the daughter of James Brady and Mary Alice Woodenthigh. She was a direct descendent of Chief Littlewolf from her mother Mary Alice Woodenthigh, her grandfather Arthur Woodenthigh, and her great-grandfather Hugh Woodenthigh, son of Chief Littlewolf.
Marie was born Juanita Marie Brady and later baptized at St. Labre Parish as Marie Elena Brady on September 13, 1942. Her godmother was Frances Lucy Roberts (deceased).
She was a lifelong advocate for native people and for the Cheyenne language. Marie was known around the world for her eminent endeavors. She was a tribal judge, a supporter in the Battle at Wooden Knee in 1973, a teacher at MSU Bozeman and CDKC, and a participant and speaker in the 1977 United Nations Geneva Conference. Here she spoke about sovereignty, native women’s rights, and the importance of preserving native cultures and languages. She was a member of the National Organization of Women and represented the Cheyenne Nation. Marie was also a sister of the Elkhorn Scraper Society.
She was a natural linguist and showed her skill as a Cheyenne translator even as a child. She worked for many years with linguists Wayne Leman and Sarah Murray. She was one of the authors of the Cheyenne dictionary and her voice recordings will always be a part of this document. She loved to tell funny Cheyenne stories and authored many stories in addition to translation and narrating.
Marie is survived by her eight children – Charles (Patty), Darryl (Sally), Greg (Stephanie), Charles Jr. (Tala), Charlotte, Consuelo (Seth), John, and Tony. Her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchild, cousins, nieces, and nephews.
She is proceeded in death by her husband Charles T. Sanchez Sr., half-brothers Floyd Crazymule and Boyd Crazymule, adopted brother Teddy Woodenthigh, sisters Marcella Crazymule and Carol Ann (Cookie) Crazymule, her father James Brady, her mother Mary Alice Woodenthigh, her grandchildren Aaron Sanchez, John Martin, and Clayton Sanchez, and her great-great-grandchild Amethyst Alexandria.
We would like to mention her extended families – Braidedlocks, Tallbull, Whistling Elk, Bear Comes Out, and Young Mans.
Our family is large, if we left anyone out please forgive us.
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday August 12, 2019
Sanchez Family Compound
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Tuesday August 13, 2019
Allen Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday August 14, 2019
Allen Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday August 14, 2019
Sanchez Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Service Schedule
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Monday August 12, 2019
Sanchez Family Compound
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Traditional Wake
7:00 PM
Tuesday August 13, 2019
Allen Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Funeral Service
11:00 AM
Wednesday August 14, 2019
Allen Rowland Gymnasium
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
Interment
Following the Funeral Service
Wednesday August 14, 2019
Sanchez Family Cemetery
Lame Deer, Montana 59043
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Leila Crazymule says
Hi Grandma this is Leila I miss you already I know that your in a better place and doing better… I’m sad that you went home. But I hope you are happy now. Tell Grandpa and Aaron I said hi and that I miss them all. I’m sorry that I wasn’t their with you. But every moment I spent with you was a blessing… You had such a big heart. My best memory I had with you was when I came over and spent the night in C.C and cooked for you and had fun just talking about life. I promise I will get better for you. I’ll come and see you but let me live my life first. Love you grandma.
ROBERT LITTLE WOLF says
THE NORTHERN CHEYENNE CHIEF COUNCIL EXTEND THEIR MOST SINCERE AND HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY OF MARIE SANCHEZ AND PRAYERS FOR STRENGTH DURING THIS MOST SAD, SORROWFUL AND MOURNFUL TIME FOR THE LOSS OF A BELOVED LOVE ONE.
Clara Ann WhiteCrane says
❤️ Otseohtse’e ❤️ Going for Provisions Woman ❤️
I am always going to carry your Love and Wisdom in my heart. Stories you have shared with me, of our remarkable lineage will be past onto the next generations to come. Life will not be the same without you physically here, I will do my very best and carry your memory with honor and respect. I will see you again…Clara Ann “Cookie”.
♥️ Nemehotatse Nahko’e ♥️
Ann Knows His Gun says
Prayers for my cousins. Deepest Condolences & Prayers
Samantha Killsnight & Family says
Our deepest condolences to Marie’s family
Mary says
God Bless the families of Marie….she was a great friend to my mother Pearl. Mom spoke very highly of Marie. Know that we are sending lots of prayers and love to your family.
Donovan Taylor says
Maheo comfort the family and was a blessing to speak cheyenne to you and listen to you at gatherings and sometimes serious gatherings
Diane White and Family says
We send our deepest condolences to Marie’s family and our prayers. Marie you will be missed you were my role model and showed me the importance of being a proud Cheyenne woman. I learned so much from you the stories you shared. Your laughter and joy you brought for many of us. I will miss you Marie and Haho for showing me how to enjoy my life. RIP Marie
Slick says
I send my prayers and thoughts for the family. Rest In Peace my friend.
Andrita Harris says
My Deepest sympathy and condolences for Sanchez Family
Samantha Belfeld says
I did not know you in this life but now that I know of your story I will never forget it. I will try to be brave and strong like you.
My condolences to Marie’s family.
Jordan Harris says
Miss you 🥺❤️
Charlize Sanchez says
I miss you so much, its been a year without you…. But it feels like it was only a week ago, i really wish you could see this. I need you more then ever, i hate looking at your pictures, i hate thinking that you’ll never come back. Feels like you have gone on a very long trip.. I still think your gonna come back and bring me a surprise, ofc i know you ain’t never gonna come. But your my mom and your the one that raised me.. Life’s hard without you, i remember when i was 5 i told you to come visit me when your an angle, but you still never came to come see.. yet. I don’t feel anything anymore, I just want you back, i just wanna be in your arms so you can sing to me… at least one more time, Heck it’s hard for me to tell that i love you as i’m standing over your grave. I don’t feel like i belong anywhere, i wanna be with you, but i can’t. God might send me else where.. But i’ll try my best, hopefully i succeed.