Veronica Lou Tatshama

Veronica Lou Tatshama went to meet her Creator Friday, July 12, 2013, at Sacred Heart Medical Center in Spokane, Wash.

Veronica was known by family as Babe; friends as Ronnie and co-workers as Veronica. She was the oldest of her brothers and sisters; daughter of Richard and Sophie (Bluff) Stensgar.

Born August 23, 1958, she grew up in the Westfork area of the Colville Indian Reservation, in the beautiful San Poil Valley. Early education was St. Mary’s Mission near Omak, in Republic early high school years, later Marycliff High School in Spokane, finishing in Riverside Indian School Anadarko, Okla.

In the early 70s, Veronica worked in the fire lookouts, transferring later to clerical work in Nespelem for the Bureau of Indian Affairs in various capacities. She excelled as a people person over the years, in social services, community services, BIA leasing and administrative secretary for the BIA superintendent. It was in this early period she met her husband of 38 years D’Arcy Tatshama.

In all work endeavors it was observed her professionalism and commitment to doing her best at any area. Working and studying while raising four children, she earned her B.A. degree from Eastern Washington University, Cheney. Veronica retired in 2012 after many years of dedicated service to the people of the Colville Reservation. She liked to travel some and vacationed whenever possible, her favorite being Jasper National Park in Alberta, Canada, which she said was the most beautiful place on Earth. Veronica also enjoyed a memorable trip to Hawaii.

Veronica was diagnosed with cirrhosis in late May of this year, and would have wanted it mentioned she was a non-drinker. She fought a courageous battle to stay with her children Sophia, William, Levi and Davis and husband D’Arcy. The Nespelem community was saddened by the loss.

She is survived by brothers: Richard, Lawrence, Henry, John, Patrick and Dennis; sisters: Elizabeth and Mary and her immediate family; grandchildren: Pesha Latesha, Patricia, Kane, Dylan, Veronica Beatrice and Davis II and numerous nieces and nephews and her Aunty Woody.

Although raised Catholic, Veronica followed her husband in the Seven Drum Long House religion. An open denomination wake service was held Monday, July 15. Washat services were held July 16. She requested to be buried at the Little Bob Cemetery overlooking the Jackson Sundown Rodeo Grounds in Nespelem.