Naomi Emma Pederson ~ Aqua gish na quay

Naomi Emma (Fisher) Pederson, 92, born on February 01, 1931, on the Isabella Indian Reservation in Mount Pleasant, MI, United States, crossed over to be with her Maker on July 31, 2023. She resided in Desert Hot Springs, CA at the time of her passing. She was of the Swan Creek Black River Band of Chippewa Indians of Michigan.

She married her husband George ("Pete") Pederson on August 20, 1984 in Cripple Creek, Colorado and would have celebrated 39 years this year.

Naomi is our Clan Matriarch, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great-grandmother, sister, niece, friend and neighbor. She delighted in her family and was a generous giver, always sharing love and encouragement. She adored children and could get a crying baby to sleep in the blink of an eye. Her laughter filled the room.

She is woman of many talents. Her Native American artwork was treasured by anyone who was lucky enough to obtain it. The 3-dimensional dreamcatchers were sought-after at pow wows, and she always carried small dreamcatchers to give as gifts to people who crossed her path.

"Miss Naomi" taught Sunday school at Circles of Love Ministry in Colorado Springs (a church founded by her husband, Pastor "Pete") and she was also an amazing cook. She owned a restaurant in Manitou Springs, Colorado. Family dinners will never be forgotten. They were always a huge event. Suffice it to say that no one ever left hungry!

She was also an auxilliary member of the Retired Enlisted Association, American Legion and Ladies of the Nile.

Naomi is survived by her husband George ("Pete") Pederson of Desert Hot Springs, CA; her daughters: DeAnna Quietwater (Curtis) Noriega of Columbus, MO; Kristina (Curtis) Alderete of Vacaville, CA; Trudy (Dale) Gagas of Penrose, CO; Karen (Brent) Kirk of Greenwood Village, CO;  sons: Robert (Terri) TallTree of Desert Hot Springs, CA; Ruben Blackcloud Smith of Mount Pleasant, MI; Robert (Debbie) Pederson of Penrose, CO; sisters Emma Fisher of Mount Pleasant, MI; Linda Gilliland of St. Petersburg, FL; brother Tony Cardenas of Lafayette Township, MI; nephew Jacob Cardenas of Alma, MI, (and many others); 24 grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren, 4 great-great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her grandparents Soloman and Emma Fisher, parents Elijah and Luella (Brown) Fisher, brothers Jesse Fisher, Oliver Fisher, John Fisher, Cecil Red Bird Fisher, Sam Lone Wolf Fisher, Larry Young Thunder Fisher, and William "Bill" Cardenas.

Aqua gish na quay (End of Day Woman / Twilight) leaves behind a legacy of unconditional love and generosity of Spirit. She will be missed beyond words.

Arrangements are under the care of Forest Lawn, Cathedral City, CA.