Theresa Wabasha

Interment Ceremony will be held Saturday, October 21 at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at St. Cornelia’s Episcopal Cemetery meal to follow at gym.

Theresa Ann Wabasha, “Wicaŋhpi Haŋyetu Wiŋ” meaning “Night Star Woman” age 65 of the Lower Sioux Community, traveled to the Spirit World on Friday, March 31, 2023 at her home. Memorial Services were be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 5, 2023 at the Lower Sioux Rec Center Gym. An all-night visitation began at 12:00 noon Tuesday, April 4 at the Rec Center and will continued until the service on Wednesday. Interment will be at a later date in St. Cornelia’s Cemetery on the Lower Sioux Community. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred. 

Theresa Ann Wabasha, “Wicaŋhpi Haŋyetu Wiŋ” meaning “Night Star Woman” was born October 16, 1957 in St. Paul, Minnesota, to Ernest and Vernell (Drapeau) Wabasha. She was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic faith. Theresa graduated from St. Louis Park High School, and furthered her education at Haskell Indian University in Haskell, Kansas. Later, Theresa attended American Indian Opportunities Industrialization Center (AIOIC) where she received her degree in Business Management. Theresa devoted much of her life to learning, living, and practicing Dakota cultural ways and values, doing so with much respect. Her family was very proud of her for being a good relative. In the late 1970’s, Theresa participated and supported the American Indian Movement, networking and advocating for American Indian Human and Civil rights. She loved playing Bingo, cooking for and feeding her relatives – her specialty being fry bread. Theresa was a beloved daughter, and a devoted mother & grandmother.

Theresa is survived by her mother, Vernell Wabasha; children: Cheyanne St. John and Forrest St. John; special friend Bennie St. John; grandchildren: Inez St. John (Crowdog), Forrest St. John, Jr, and Cetaŋ St. John; brother Leonard Wabasha; niece Winona (John) Wabasha; great-nephew Takoza Tateʹ; close friend Christian Gray; and many other relatives and friends. She is preceded in death by her father Ernest Wabasha, grandmother Winifred Grant, grandfather Henry Wabasha, and many aunts and uncles.