Flavia Germaine Poitra
June 18, 1935 – August 10, 2025

Flavia Poitra, age 90, of Belcourt, ND passed away on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at Good Samaritan Center, Bottineau, ND.

Flavia was born on June 18, 1935, at her family home in Belcourt, North Dakota. Born during the Great Depression, she understood the hardships of poverty, yet her life was rich in the love of family. Raised speaking fluent Mitchif on a small farm with a large garden and livestock, her early years taught her value of hard work, and strong family values.

A devout lifelong Catholic, Flavia was deeply involved with St. Ann's Parish throughout her life. Her faith was a constant source of strength and guidance. She also had a great love for her Native culture and powwows, which she passed on to her son, Duane, encouraging his participation from a young age. Together, they attended many powwows and ceremonies.

Family was the center of Flavia's world. She was a fearless protector and a constant supporter, always putting the needs of her loved ones above her own. Her selflessness, loyalty, and fierce love were unwavering. She wanted nothing more than for her family to succeed and be happy. "She always had our backs," is something her family will forever remember.

Flavia had a strong connection to horses from a young age. Her father often placed her on the less tame horses to finish training them and put her on bareback. She often said with pride "Riding with a saddle is easy, as long as your feet don't get caught in the stirrups". Horses were a lifelong passion, and she always encouraged Duane to have some on the property.

Flavia began her education at St. Ann's and had fond memories of her high school days at the old white Turtle Mountain High School, a place where she said "everyone knew each other and older students looked out for the younger ones". Flavia marked time in the 1950's and 1960's by the births of her nieces and nephews such as John Frederick, Germaine DeCoteau, Howard Frederick, Joyce Frederick (Mahaney), Don Allard, Dean DeCoteau (Godchild), Ron Allard, and Carol Allard.

Flavia considered her greatest life achievement to be the birth of her son, Duane, in 1967 in Bottineau. She provided him with steady guidance throughout his life, instilling in him with values and ethics she held dear. Duane married Janice in 1991, and together they gave Flavia three grandchildren, later blessing her with four great-grandchildren. Her heart was full as her greatest pride and joy came from watching her family grow and thrive.

Flavia's work ethic was evident early on with her first job at St. Ann's Church around 1956, where she worked for nearly six years. In 1962, she joined the Rolla Hospital as a CNA. Always a quick learner, she trained as a lab assistant and lab technician, and even worked in radiology taking x-rays. She made lifelong friendships with doctors, staff, patients, and Rolla area residents.

In 1973, she transitioned to the Belcourt Indian Health Service Hospital, where she worked in lab, x-ray, eye clinic, and later in the business office. After nearly 30 years in healthcare, Flavia retired in 2000. In retirement, she continued serving her parish as a money counter for St. Ann's and as an innkeeper for the Queen of Peace Bed & Breakfast.

Flavia often reminisced about Rolla Saturday nights in the 1950s and '60s, walking up and down Main Street with friends or cruising while listening to early rock and roll. These were some of her fondest memories. Flavia enjoyed old-time fiddle music, traveling (especially to Minnesota and Ohio), watching TV, shopping on QVC, and attending concerts. She loved animals; always cherishing her pets. Flavia easily connected with many children and loved to see them flourish as adults.

Due to declining health in 2017, she moved to Park View Assisted Living, where she made new friends and reconnected with old friends, especially her dear cousin Jeri Cammack. In late 2022, she moved to Good Samaritan Nursing Center in Bottineau, forming new friendships, reconnecting with her friend Germaine Poitra.  She also grew close to staff at Good Samaritan, especially Kenadie and Mike who were especially near and dear to her heart.

Though she grew weaker, her spirit and faith remained strong as she said her rosary with her daily. A week before her passing, Flavia still intended to regain enough strength and independence to get back to her home. There is comfort in knowing that her physical pain and weakness is now gone as she now reunites with ancestors, family and familiar faces.

Flavia will be remembered for her straightforward nature, kind heart, dependability, and wonderful sense of humor. She loved to laugh, tease, and connect with people. She did not tolerate disrespect, but was always generous with her kindness and support. Loved gifting to others.  Her legacy is one of strength, compassion, honesty and deep love for her family.

Flavia is survived by her son, Duane (Janice) Poitra of Belcourt; 3 grandchildren, Jordan (Kristein Ross) Poitra of Devils Lake, Weston (Shay) Poitra of Fargo, and Chandler (Seth Desjarlais) Poitra of Belcourt; and 4 great grandchildren, Harper, River, and Lennon Poitra and Collins Desjarlais; 2 godchildren, Dean DeCoteau and Patrick J. MaHaney.

Flavia was preceded in death by her parents, John and Veronica Poitra, two brothers, Rene and Ernest, and five sisters, Lena (Francis) DeCoteau, Justine Poitra, Mary (Alexander) Frederick, Leona (John) Allard, and Lillian Poitra.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Monday, August 18, 2025 at St. Ann's Catholic Church, Belcourt, ND with visitation beginning at 8:00 AM and Rosary Service at 9:00 AM prior to the funeral mass. A ceremonial traditional blessing and burial will follow the funeral mass at St. Ann's Catholic Cemetery, Belcourt, ND.

Casket Bearers are Weston Poitra, Jordan Poitra, Seth Desjarlais, Chris Gillis Jr., John Frederick Jr, Bruk Frederick, AJ Newcomer, Barry DeCoteau Jr., Travis DeCoteau, and Honorary Bearers are all family and friends. Father Tony Hession presiding.

Elick Funeral Home, Rolla, ND.