Maria Whitebreast Nicholi, 63, of the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama, passed away, Monday, September 17, 2012 at her home on the settlement. Traditional graveside services will be held on Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 2:00 PM at Meskwaki Cemetery on the Meskwaki Settlement in rural Tama with Michael Keahna as speaker. A traditional wake will be held Tuesday evening at the Fox Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama. Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo is assisting with the arrangements.
Maria was born on June 28, 1949 in Marshalltown, Iowa, the daughter of Horace and Jennie Davenport Whitebreast.
In 1967, she married Charles Robert Nicholi Sr. in Chicago, IL. Maria enjoyed being with her family, cooking and shopping.
Preceding her in death were her parents; a son, Charles Robert Nicholi Jr.; two sisters, Colleen W. Tahahwah, and Fern W. Seaboy; four brothers, Sterling Kapayou, Roland Davenport, Steven Bear, and Archie Bear; and a granddaughter, Maria Diver Willie.
Survivors include her children, Christopher Nicholi, Kristine N. Keahna and Jennifer Nicholi; two sisters, Melba Shemayme and Angela Montoya; one brother, Delmer Whitebreast; five grandchildren, Steven Diver, Krystal Diver, Wilbur G. Keahna, Gregory L. Keahna Jr., Lizabeth F. Robert; and one great-grandson, Jairus J. Willie Jr.