Amy Faith Desjarlait

Amy Faith Desjarlait, of Bemidji MN, 72 years old, passed away on Monday, November 18, 2024 at Sanford Hospital, Bemidji, MN. Amy was born on February 8, 1952, in Red Lake, MN, to Leo Desjarlait Sr and Louise (Dudley) McDonald.

Amy graduated from Red Lake High School and moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, to continue her education. She met Loren Lyons, they married and moved back to Red Lake to start a family. Amy lived in various cities throughout Northern Minnesota and Canada, eventually settling in Bemidji. Amy spent several years on the pow-wow- trail proudly dancing old style jingle. She was talented and creative, designing and sewing her jingle dresses and beading her own regalia. Amy was a member of the Red Lake Boxing Commission, traveling to many events throughout Minnesota. She enjoyed cooking her famous hominy soup and fry bread for her family, liked spending time at the casino, loved spending time with her grandchildren, enjoyed listening to country music, shopping and taking long rides with Mike. Amy “Bug Lady” knew how to tell a good story and how to make others laugh. She greeted everyone with a smile and enjoyed meeting new friends. Those who knew Amy will miss her dearly.

Those welcoming Amy home are her parents: Leo Desjarlait Sr and Louise (Paige) McDonald; grandparents William Dudley and Bertha (Spears) Dudley; brothers: Stuart Desjarlait, Randall Desjarlait, Brian Desjarlait and Owen Beaulieu; sisters: Gabriella Stillday, Eleanor Desjarlait, Kay Desjarlait and Kathy Desjarlait; and aunts and uncles: Gabriel & Susan Beaulieu, George & Eliza Oliver, Fabian & Midge Dudley, Glen and Edwin.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory are her companion: Michael “Mike” O’Neill; son:  “Cone” Loren and Jennifer Lyons, Jr; grandchildren: Shyanna Lyons, Emery Brown, Tavian Lyons, Jennalee Fairbanks, Meliyah (Clint) Lyons, Brody Fairbanks and Chance “Chancy” (Kelsey) Lyons; and several great-grandchildren; brothers: Leo Desjarlait Jr, Fred Desjarlait Sr, Arlen Desjarlait Sr, David Desjarlait and Douglas “Jack” Desjarlait; sisters: Adrienne (Ron) Champagne, Eudora, Kansas, Sharon (Marvin) Cook of Ignacio, Colorado; sister-in-law Roxane Desjarlait; and special nieces, Delores Desjarlait and Kristie Desjarlait.

An overnight wake will begin at 1 PM on Thursday, November 21, 2024 at the New Red Lake Community Center in Red Lake, MN and continue until the service at 11 AM on Friday, November 22, 2024 with Father George Ross. Helping to lay Amy to rest are Tavian Lyons, Chance Lyons, Brody Fairbanks, Justin “Hoss” Desjarlait, Cory James Desjarlait and Brenden Desjarlait. Alternate Pallbearers: Eddie Lone and Clinton Fairbanks.  Honorary Pallbearers: Candy Beaulieu, Jean Beaulieu, Debra Barrett, Ann Auginash, Judy Vanert, Gail Nash, Marilyn Johnson, Shirley & Carmen Oliver, Roxanne Desjarlait and Emily Parkhurst Johnson. Burial will be at the Redby Episcopal Cemetery in Redby, MN.        

The Family of Amy Desjarlait would like to thank those who provided medical care and loving support to our Mom, Sister, Companion, Auntie and Grandmother through the last few days of her illness – Chi-Miigwetch. Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker & Hackensack, MN.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Amy Faith Desjarlait, please visit our floral store.