Elizabeth Tiny Breiler

Elizabeth “Tiny” Breiler, 97, of Omak, Washington, passed away on April 29, 2024 surrounded by her family. She was born on September 16, 1926 to Narcisse Nicholson Sr. and Cecilia (Manuel) Nicholson. Elizabeth grew up on a ranch in Ellisforde (xlkiys), Washington and she often shared fond memories of her time riding horses. From a young age Elizabeth was a hard worker, helping to care for her siblings following the passing of her mother when she was 16. Elizabeth attended Ellisforde grade school, the Mission School for 7th and 8th grade, Tonasket High School and then nurses’ training school in Wenatchee, Washington. While in school and during the early years of her marriage she worked in the orchards thinning, picking and packing apples. Her dedication and resilience in the face of adversity were evident, shaping her into the remarkable individual she became. Elizabeth married Glen O. Breiler on December 24th, 1945 in Tonasket, Washington. They began their family in the Omak area before relocating south of Okanogan, where they had an apple orchard. In 1968, they moved to the Disautel area where they raised cattle, and her husband worked in various local dams as a carpenter. Elizabeth spent her final years in a house she built on the land her father described as “where the 4 winds meet.” Elizabeth was a teaching assistant at Pascal Sherman Indian School in the early to mid 1970’s. Her talent as a teacher was recognized and she was soon encouraged to become a teacher. She graduated in 1980 from Heritage College and became a teacher at Pascal Sherman Indian School. She started out as a second-grade teacher and then transitioned to first grade where she spent the remainder of her career until retiring in 1999. As a teacher, Elizabeth is fondly remembered for bringing her sense of humor, ability to stay calm, positivity and a matter-of-fact pace to the classroom. Elizabeth had a passion for gardening, collecting antiques, reading, and canning fruit. She loved playing bingo, trips to the casino (where her winning streak was often enviable), watching bull riding and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Glen Breiler, her Nicholson brothers George, Joe, Alex, Johnny, Richard, Narcisse Jr., Eddie, Albert “Billy”, and Raymond; sisters Matlida Nicholson, Ellen Abeita, Millie-Jean Rollins, Joyce Adkinson, Mary Eileen “Babe” Nicholson and Chrissy Hutton; and her sons James “Jimmy” Breiler and Larry Breiler. Elizabeth is survived by her children Darlene (Dennis) Giesen and Ron (Pat) Breiler; grandchildren Dale, Diana, Steve, Jolene, Dawn, Mary Ann, Rhonda, Glenda, Sewa and Kestrel great-grandchildren Mackenzie, Trace, Arik, Quinn, Trevor, Kylee, Kegan, Christina, Jonathon, Skyler, Hazel, Florence, Rosie and Ava; and five great-great-grandchildren; and her beloved dog Lucy. A funeral will be held on May 2, 2024 at St Mary’s Mission in Omak, Washington. The funeral will be followed by a burial at Ellisforde and dinner at the Omak Longhouse. River Valley Funeral is handling the services.

Elizabeth Tiny Breiler

September 16, 1926 - April 29, 2024