Tammy Big Day

Tammy Jo Big Day, Alachiwio ahush ("Helps One Another A Lot"), given to her by Robert (Corky) Old Horn, one of her clan uncles. October 6, 1962 - December 14, 2021. Born in Sheridan, Wyoming, to Dave and Janet Filbert, and later taken in by Mary Lou and Heywood Big Day, Sr. In 1997 she married Jace Big Day, and made her home in Pryor, Montana with the Big Day family. Tammy had no children of her own, but once said "I don't have any kids of my own, but all of you are my real children." She spoke the truth that day about her nieces, nephews, and grandchildren who she helped raise throughout their lives, and was a natural mother. Tammy had a generous spirit, and was a true "buffalo wife" as the old-time Crow would say, one who followed and took care of the family. She was welcoming to everyone, extending hospitality to visitors, both relatives and strangers, giving people a place to stay and eat. She was loved by many, and she loved and cared back with all her heart. She was the strength when someone needed her, and was a shoulder that was there for even a stranger. She cared so much, she risked her life to save a young girl whose life was threatened. Both were chased down, being shot at, and they survived with the help of some amazing men who she never forgot about, Jonathan Pretty On Top and Fred Plain Bull. It was then she became a voice for those who didn't have one. She fought for justice regarding MMIW (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women), and for children who stood silent. She attended public rallies, and with her new friend Wanna Cho produced a film to help bring awareness, called "Whispers In the Wind." Tammy was a true friend. She seemed strong, but also was sensitive and at times felt hurt or irritated, but continued with her efforts for others. She had a serious manner, but appreciated humor, and was always teasing her brother-in-laws as a Crow woman would. Those men in her life gave her the nickname "Walmart" and "Hamburger Helper" because she helped so many people while she was a manager of Walmart for many years. While intimately involved in almost everything the Big Day family was engaged in, she maintained her own identity, balancing both the white and Crow way of life. Tammy showed up at almost every event sponsored by both of her families. That included holiday feasts, birthdays, Sacred Medicine Bundle Openings, and ceremonies including Sundances. She enjoyed many trips to the Cody Powwow when the family was Host Drum. Like a Crow wife would do, she would sit and stand behind her husband, backup-singing for him at cultural functions. She was full of faith, and would always pray to the rising sun, and pray more while smudging in her house. One of her brother-in-laws said "She might have been a white woman, but she was more like a Crow Indian. I think that's why we all loved her so much more." Truly, she knew how to love and care as a Crow woman would. On September 28, 2021, Tammy suffered a massive heart attack in her home, was transported to a hospital in Billings, and then sent to a hospital in Minneapolis. There, over two months, with Jace by her side as much as he could be, she struggled to recuperate. She was improving, and Jace came home with his brother Derek to arrange for her care here among both her families. Sadly, on December 14, she suffered another heart attack and passed away in her sleep to the Other Side Camp (Crow Indian Heaven). Tammy loved her husband Jace, her brother/sister-in-laws, parents, grandparents, aunts, cousins she called her sisters, her two little brothers, every one of her nieces and nephews, her grandchildren, and the friends who became her extended family. There are not enough words, tears, songs, or actions to show the impact she had on the lives of many people. Her memory will live on forever, just as a Crow Indian. Tammy is survived by many family members and friends, too numerous to name here. Viewing & Rosary: Sunday, December 19, 2021, 1 p.m.-8 p.m. Dahl Funeral Chapel. Funeral Monday, December 20, 2021, St. Charles Mission Church, Pryor, MT, 1 p.m.