Joan Sakiestewa
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Joan Sakiestewa

  • January 1, 2012
  • Albuquerque, New Mexico
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“I am lucky to have such a kind-hearted sister-in-law in my life. I remember the last time I visited with her before Christmas, she was so anxiously...Read More » ”
1 of 8 | Posted by: Twila Zephier - Mandaree, ND

“Joan was my classmate at the then named Holy Rosary Mission high school. I have not seen her since we graduated. However, I always knew her to be...Read More » ”
2 of 8 | Posted by: Francine Zephier - Strongsville, OH

“Auntie Joan, I'm so very glad I made it to Sundance this year and got the chance to see you and all my other Aunties and Uncles. It had been way to...Read More » ”
3 of 8 | Posted by: Ayni Giago Tucker - Phoenix, AZ

“Dear Carla and family- we extend our thoughts, prayers and love to you during this time of deep loss and pain. Please know that you are in our...Read More » ”
4 of 8 | Posted by: Ethleen and Rick - Porcupine, SD

“Our condolences to the family. So sorry for your loss. She is a very special lady. So glad to have gotten to know her. Prayers to the family. May God...Read More » ”
5 of 8 | Posted by: Natalie Roy - ALBUQUERQUE, NM

“My beautiful Sister, your Life's journey around the Sacred Cangleska has been completed. Now you will walk peacefully toward the open arms of your...Read More » ”
6 of 8 | Posted by: Patrick Daniel - Tuba City, AZ

“Carla and family, I am so sorry for your loss. I keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. Becky ”
7 of 8 | Posted by: Becky Lindley - Albuquerque, NM

“On behalf of the French Family of Companies, we express our deepest condolences. ”
8 of 8 | Posted by: Trinity Montoya - Albuquerque, NM


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SAKIESTEWA - Joan Sakiestewa, Lakota name: Luta Koyag Mani Win (Woman Who Walks Wearing Red),
age 73, died January 1, 2012 at the Lovelace Medical Center. She was born November 29, 1938 to Joseph and Clara Giago at Pierre, SD. Joan grew up on the Pine Ridge reservation in South Dakota. She attended Holy Rosary Boarding School through High School. Joan received her License to Practice Nursing in Rapid City, SD. Thereafter, she married Robert C. Sakiestewa Jr. June 4, 1960 on Whidbey Island, WA. After starting her family she moved to Tuba City, AZ, then to Shiprock, NM where she worked as an LPN for Indian Health Hospitals. In 1968 she made Albuquerque, NM her permanent home and eventually continued her career at the VA Hospital as a Respiratory Therapist and Oxygen Coordinator. She retired in 2003 after over 40 years of civil service. Joan received many Certificates of Achievement, Performance Awards and Service Awards from the VA Hospital in Respiratory Care. She was viewed as an exceptional therapist by patients, co-workers and supervisors. She is survived by her three daughters, Carla Sakiestewa, Mary Sakiestewa and Michelle Hawthorne and son-in-Law Seth; her grandchildren, Clara, James (J.J.), Wesley, and Danny Chung and Martha and Sophia Hawthorne, all of Albuquerque, NM; five brothers, William (Bill) Giago of Lake Havasu, AZ, Robert (Bob) Giago of Pine Ridge, SD, Patrick Giago of Tuba City, AZ, Eugene Giago of Rapid City, SD and Warren Giago of Pine Ridge, SD; four sisters, Yvonne Reynolds of Rosebud, SD, Theresa Tibbits of Rapid City, SD, Loretta Giago of Pine Ridge, SD and Mary Nephew of Alexandria, VA. She was preceded in death by her mother and father and brother Michael Giago. She is also survived and honored by her in-laws of the Sakiestewa Family, ex-husband, Robert Sakiestewa; brothers, Albert and Eric Sakiestewa; and sisters, Velma Albert and Alberta Sakiestewa. Memorial donations can be made by check or money order to "WakanyejaPawicayapi, Inc" (Children First) 923 Northridge Dr, Rapid City, SD 57701 c/o Gene Giago to support children/youth and families who continue to suffer from intergenerational grief, loss and trauma and strengthen and assist in the ongoing battle for the Lakota way of life and the future of our children and grandchildren. Friends may visit the family during the Wake at French - Wyoming Chapel on Thursday, January 5, 2012 from 5:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Services will be held Friday, January 6, 2012, 9:00 a.m., also at French - Wyoming Chapel. Interment will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery.