Skenandore, Bette A.
Bette Ann (Valliere) Skenandore, age 83, of Lac du Flambeau, passed peacefully on September 8th, 2016 surrounded by her family. She is preceded in death by her husband, Artley Skenandore, Sr.; parents, Charles and Agnes Valliere; brothers, Bill, Hiram, Carlton, and Leon Valliere; and sister Georgian Kinstedt. She is survived by her children, Ed (Linda), Stan (Lynn), Jacque (Scott), Joe (Mary); stepchildren, Artley (Lisa), Debbie (Bob); brother, Joe Valliere and sister Doris Nielson; 11 grandchildren, Ed Jr., Jake, Stosh, Adam, Chelsea, Connor, Kaela, Sergio, Jay, Joseph, and Cameo; 15 great grandchildren and another on the way; as well as many nieces, nephews, and very close friends.
Bette was an extremely devoted mother and grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, attending sporting events, birthday parties, and other special occasions. She was witty and laughed easily at the smallest things. She always worked or volunteered for community service programs which promoted Indian culture or would benefit the Elder Community. She was always an activist for Indian rights. She was chairman of the board under the older Americans Nutritional Program and submitted the first proposal for LDF, was on the Headstart program board of directors, and served on the Indian Advisory Board for the St. Paul Mayor’s office of Human Rights.
Bette worked as a cultural teacher for the St. Paul and Minneapolis Survival schools teaching grades 1st through 12th grades. She owned and operated her own business, Injunuity, in which she designed, sewed, beaded, and appliqued traditional dance attire. She was an excellent seamstress and shared her love of sewing with all those around her. She lived life to the fullest and her spirit will live on with those that knew her.
