Mary Imelda "Hubba" Lafford, 81, of Paqtnkek Mi’kmaw Nation began her peaceful journey to the spirit world with her family guiding her on Thursday, July 31, 2025, at the R.K. MacDonald Nursing home in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. Born in Truro on October 6, 1943, she was the daughter of the late Mary Ellen Pictou and Wilfred Brooks.
The Creator graced us with her nurturing spirit as a family, as a friend, and as a community member, and we, those who knew her will truly hold this in our/their hearts. She was our "Gram, Auntie, Mom" and most importantly our "Little Gram." She was "Gram" not only to her own grandchildren, but to all of their friends as well. Hubba was the matriarch of the family, a true Mi’kmaw elder that encompassed the virtues of love, courage, respect, humility, honesty, wisdom and truth. She taught and encouraged others to practice our traditional ways because she knew with her wisdom and gifts it would help guide our people on the right path. You would often see her at the sweat lodge and at ceremony. She was a crafter of leatherwork and pottery.
Above all else, she was passionate advocate for language preservation and MMIW. She was well known in Paqtnkek as a language speaker, who shared and empathized the importance of our language. She had developed numerous resources with the assistance of ACALA and many more. These essential resources were utilized in various learning environments, not only about language but also about Mi’kmaw crafts and practises. She would advocate for her sister along with her "other daughters’ for the injustices that was seen across Turtle Island for all MMIW and would stand for all women.
She was all about family, which was evident in her early years, as she committed to ensuring her time was with her sister Annie Mae. She was a survivor of Indian Day School. Shortly later, her and Annie Mae moved to the United States, first to the blueberry fields and then later to Boston, where she supported Lnu children in a daycare setting. This is where she started her family and moved back to Paqtnkek where she married.
She continued to grace and guide her community by driving the bus for over 20 years which she enjoyed very much. You would often hear her say, "Sit down or you are getting the hell off the bus." She enjoyed competition with cards, bowling and horseshoes. She was well known for her highest average at bowling where she would hold the highest scores for months at a time. Ultimately, her favorite was going to bingo with her sister-in-law, Mary Ann and her daughter, Angela. She would also sneak off with her good friend, Judy Peters to double up.
In her later years, she became an Elder in Residence for the Coady Institute, Indigenous Women and Community Leadership program where she would share her teachings and guide them in the own journeys.
She was the anchor of our family and the biggest supporter of her grandchildren. She could always be seen in the stands at every match, tournament, powwow or ballgame near or far. You could see her in the stands, but of you didn’t see her, you would definitely hear her. She had the utmost pride for her children and grandchildren, and it showed every day. Her legacy will live on within them and for generations to come as she instilled her beliefs by love, guidance and support to them and all of whom had befriended her.
We would like to extend our deep appreciation to Molly and Judy Peters who took the lead on ceremony, Chief Cory Julian for singing and to the RK MacDonald Nursing Home for the compassion and the loving care they had giving to our mother. You will hold a special place in our hearts.
Paqsitpi Wela’lioq.
She is survived by; her daughters, Sharlene (Dennis), Starlene (Billy), Angela, all of Paqtnkek and Denise (Marco) and Debra of Halifax. Her son, Nicholas (Ashley) of Paqtnkek, Her sisters, Pat Ella Augustine (JR) of Indian Island, Linda (Jack) Julian-DeWilde of Paqtnkek and Deanna Brooks of Millbrook. Her grandchildren, Warren (Leanne), Jason (Shayla), Adrian (Amanda), Leah, Chastity, Denise (Keisha), Jaya (Martin), Megan (Dillan), and Misal plus over 20 Great Grandchildren. Her Godchildren; Priscilla Gould, Jordan Bernard and Evelyn Paul.
She was predeceased by her husband, Earl B. Lafford, her brother, Frank Sappier, her sisters, Mary Rebecca (Becky) Julian, Annie Mae Pictou-Aquash, Lavinia and Wanda Brooks. Her sons, Roger and James Pictou, and daughter, Stephanie.
She will be brought home to Paqtnkek at 179 Saqamaw Road on Wednesday, August 6th for visitation at 6PM. Funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, August 9th at 11AM at Immaculate Conception Church in Heatherton, NS and burial at St. Anne’s Cemetery in Walnek. There will be a feast and salite to celebrate her life at the Paqtnkek Community Centre following.
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of C.L. Curry Funeral Home, Antigonish.
Online condolences: www.clcurry.com
Kesaluloq aqq Nmultis!!