Corissa Mae Defender, "Good Earth Woman," age 28 of Dunseith, ND, started her journey to the Spirit World on Saturday, January 20th, 2024.

Corissa Defender was born on September 16th, 1995, to Bradley Defender and Janelle (Millang) Defender in Belcourt, ND. She was raised in Dunseith, ND and graduated from Dunseith Public School in 2014. As a child, Corissa was known as a tomboy and would often be seen wearing flat bill hats. As she got older though, she was known as a girly girl, and was always seen wearing her sunglasses and purple boots. She had many nicknames given to her by her family, including Sissy Mae, Kissa Mae, and recently Trissa by her nieces and nephews.

Corissa was a colorful person. No matter how much she was hurting, she always put her feelings aside and was there for everyone else. She had a fiery spirit and was spontaneous. You never knew when she would text, call, or just show up for a visit. She had the most contagious, beautiful smile, a smile that will be forever missed by all of her family and friends.

When Corissa was 16, she met Duane Gunville, and when she was 17, she had her first love, Ryzen Annmarie. In 2017, she met Roland Desjarlais, and together they had her second love, Roland "Rolly" Bradley Dale. She met her Niky in 2018, and together they had her third and fourth loves, Deklyn Daniel and Daiah Lynn. Her kids were the light of her life, and she loved them with everything she had.

Corissa is survived by her loving parents, Bradley Defender and Janelle (Millang) Defender; siblings and life-long best friends, Jenna (Prasun) Pokharel, Chelsie (Kyle) Desjarlais, Tyrall Defender, Bradley (Jeryn) Defender Jr., Karina Defender, and Braydin Defender; loving children, Ryzen, Rolly, Deklyn, and Daiah; nephews, Kadin, Saamir, and Keaton; nieces and godchild Emmalynn and Cataleya; grandparents, Mary Millang, Deloris Gunville Defender, and Max Defender; godparents, Christina and Terry Morin; and many aunties, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Corissa is preceded in death by her brother, Briley Defender, grandpa, Dale Millang, and her great grandparents.

As a family, we invite you to celebrate the life of our Corissa Mae.

A wake will be held on Thursday, January 25th, 2024, at 5 p.m. at the Eagle Heart Log House in Dunseith, ND. The funeral will take place on Friday, January 26th, 2024, at 10 a.m. at the Eagle Heart Log House with a meal immediately following.

We thank you for all the prayers, love, and support, and we ask for continued prayers, especially for her babies, during this most difficult time.

We love you Corissa, always and forever.