Alfreida "Marie" Poirier born on March 19, 1939, on her reservation, Browing Montana. Marie is from the Blackfeet Nation. She was very proud of her heritage. Marie passed away on April 16, 2025, surrounded by her loving children and grandchildren and those who were unable to be there at that special time.

Marie passed on her Native American knowledge to her children and grandchildren.  She did this by help starting the United Indian Association with her parents in Yakima WA.

She was very active in Powwows by going to them and making regalia for her children and grandchildren. She continued her heritage by helping start the Indian Education in Yakima and Spokane areas. Most people know her as Grandma the Fry Bread Queen!

Her other passion in life is family. Family is the core of Marie's heart. She is known for her love and compassion for others. Her  understanding and care and love was so inspirational to all. You see it by her attending all her grandchildren's games and events. Marie was always ready to be there with food and a blanket at the games and family gatherings.

Mom always made sure birthdays were celebrated. Every month, we had a birthday party celebration. Birthdays to her were a blessing, because her children and grandchildren came into this world and needed to be celebrated. It was her way of loving all her children and grandchildren.

Marie's other desires in life is Bowling, Camping and Yard sales. She got all her children involved in bowling and camping trips. These times were so special to her. Her memories of her family going camping were just enjoying sitting by the campfire talking and laughing and making wonderful food and fry bread.

Marie is also known for her laughter.  It was so contagious.  You can find her in a crowd by that beautiful laughter. Marie was just so fun to be with and share fun stories.

Another passion in her life was her faith. Marie was very strong in her Catholic religion. She was involved in St. Mary's in the Women of the Well and taught religious educations too.

She was very active with her work bringing awareness of the Native American Saint Kateri Tekakwitha by being a board member and participating in retreats and prayer meetings with her group.

Marie was preceded in death by her daughter Carol "Curtsy" Melting Tallow, her Mother and Father, and her 5 brothers and sisters and adopted sisters.  Marie is survived with her 6 children, Bill Melting Tallow, wife Jackie, Paul Meling Tallow, wife Dorene, Dave Melting Tallow,  Evanlene Meling Tallow, husband Robert, Marie Neumayer, husband Louis, Tammy Overbee, husband Pete. She is loved by her many grandchildren, great grandchildren and her great, great grandchildren.

She is grandma to all and has extended grandkids throughout the world.  She is with the Lord right now, but forever in our hearts.

We are going to celebrate and remember mom by having a Rosary at St Mary's Catholic Church at 8:00 PM Friday the 25th 304 S Adams Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

The funeral service will be held at St Mary's Catholic Church at 11:00 AM Saturday the 26th 304 S Adams Rd, Spokane Valley, WA 99216

Followed by the progression to St. Joseph cemetery. 17825 E Trent Ave, Spokane Valley, WA 99216. After the grave site progression, a reception will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church Hall 4521 N Arden Rd, Otis Orchards, WA 99027