Search by Name
Search by Name
Lifelong Alaskan Mabel Barbara Kompkoff, 76, died June 17, 2008, at Valdez Hospital.
A funeral will be at 3 p.m. Saturday at Saint Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Tatitlek with the Rev. Alexie officiating. A memorial service is planned for a future date in Cordova.
Mabel, beloved wife, mother, sister, "Umma" and "Big Umma," was born June 26, 1931, at Shepard Point to Andrew and Seena Allen. She was raised in Tatitlek, where she married Carroll Mike Kompkoff on July 4, 1947. She and her family moved to Cordova in 1966.
"Mabel enjoyed making people happy through laughter," her family recalled. "She was willing to play along with jokes, and quick to make a wry comment or pun. She loved her grandkids, spending time playing the card game 'Hell,' and cooking for family and friends.
"Mabel devoted her life to her husband, family and faith. She set high standards for her children and grandchildren while providing them with the unconditional love and tireless support needed to meet her standards. She was quick to defend any grandchild's individual spirit (much to the dismay of their parents), and even faster to admonish her grandchildren 'not to be too much.' She lived and taught the high standards she set with grace and humor. At age 72, she stood up at a sobriety gathering and told the crowd 'I have been sober for 72 years.'
"Mabel loved subsistence foods and was grateful for any gift of traditional foods. She would go out berry picking with her sisters and grandchildren, fill her freezer with bags of berries, and line her pantry shelves with jams and jellies.
"Mabel was known for her knitting and crocheting. Her handmade sweaters, blankets and baby clothes were worn by generations of children in Cordova. These items were often donated to the Saint Anne Sisterhood fundraisers. She also enjoyed quilting and puzzles."
Mabel is survived by her husband, Carroll; her children, Michael "Jug" (Jennifer) Kompkoff of Valdez, Gene (Jeanette) Kompkoff of Kaiser, Ore., Andrea "Girlo" (Nils) Olson of Japan, Sylvia (Garry) Purvis of Ahoskie, N.C., Phyllis (Bob) Sanford and Caleb (Becki) Kompkoff, all of Valdez; her sisters, June Lund, Leona Olsen, Barbara Olsen and Margie Allen; her brothers, Andrew Allen, Lloyd Allen, Phillip Allen and John Allen; 23 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
She was preceded in death by her children, Caroline and Gary; brother, George Allen; and grandchildren, Kristopher and Kelly.
In lieu of flowers, donations are suggested to the Saint Anne Sisterhood, P.O. Box 1752, Cordova 99574.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Kaysha D Purvis-Horton.
Grief be mine, I ask you so,
If not for you, I wouldn't know,
How life once was and then be still,
How so precious, that death do steal.
Because that grief, won't go away,
Learn to let it have its way.
The link to love, a precious one,
Is met with grief and still not done.
The days do come, and nights do go,
Grief will stay as time is so.
And so a loved one passes on,
And grief comes in and carries on.
Does grief get better, I will ask,
It's hard to say, while at its task.
There is grief to help us cope,
There is God to give us hope.
Grief will surely go away,
On that glorious heaven's day.
But while its here, there's just one thing,
Pray our Lord, for peace he'll bring.
Lauren Sanford
November 9, 2008
And the days went on, and the weeks and the months
And the years, and the mother grew old and she was little and bent.
But her children were tall and strong, and walked with courage.
And when the way was rough, they lifted her, for she was as light as a feather; and at last they
came to a hill, and beyond they could see a shining road and golden
gates flung wide.
And mother said, "I have reached the end of my journey.
And now I know the end is better than the beginning, for my children can walk alone, and their children after them."
And the children said, "You will always walk with us,
Mother, even when you have gone through the gates."
And they stood and watched her as she went on
alone, and the gates closed after her. And they said: "We cannot see her
but she is with us still. A Mother like ours is more
than a memory. She is a living presence......."
Your Mother is always with you.... She's the whisper
of the leaves as you walk down the street; she's the
smell of bleach in your freshly laundered socks; she's the cool hand
on your brow when you're not well. Your Mother lives
inside your laughter. And she's crystallized in every
tear drop.
She's the place you came from, your first home; and
she's the map you follow with every step you take.
She's your first love and your first heartbreak, and nothing on earth can
separate you.
Not time, not space... not even death!
Syl Kompkoff-Purvis
July 14, 2008
Sylvia,
My thoughts and prayers have been with you and your family since I spoke with you on that day. May the memories of your mother comfort and keep you all. Continue to smile because I know she is smiling down on you all.
Sonya Williams
July 3, 2008
Sylvia,
Wanted to let you and your family know that my thoughts and prayers have been with you during this time of sorrow. I will continue to lift you up to give you strength to face the days ahead.
Lynn Lanier
June 30, 2008
June 27, 2008
Gene, Our hearts, prayers are with you and your family in the loss of your Mother. The greatest gift that God has given you all was her love and all the happy memories together. May you always cherish those for the rest of your lives. Our Love to You and Jeanette.
Jerry & Charlotte Splonski
June 27, 2008
Sylvia and Family, I am so sorry for the loss of your mother. I will keep you and your family in my prayers. Your memories of her will live forever in your heart.
Susan Brinkley
June 24, 2008
Sylvia and family,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Hold on to all those sepcial memories of your mother. Without ever meeting her, I can tell how special of a lady she was in just reading her obit. Hold your head high and be strong! I pray for strength for you and your family, and a safe trip back home for you!
Leigh Ann Parker
June 24, 2008
Ms. Sylvia, Jordan and family,
Just a note to say that we are sorry for your loss and your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Ms. Sylvia, now I know where you got your beautiful smile: your mother is a beautiful woman and that smile on her face is priceless!! I hope memories of your mother/"Umma" bring smiles and joy to your hearts always!!
Love,
Lisa & Tim Rushing, Ally & Kim
Lisa Rushing
June 24, 2008
To the family, my prayers are with you during this time. Take comfort in knowing that you have someone that's watching over you and carrying you through this.
Shirley Harmon
June 24, 2008
Mrs Sylvia, Jordan, and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this tough time in your life. May your memories be with you on the hard days and know one day you will be reunited in heaven. My thoughts, prayers, and love are with you.
Danielle White
June 23, 2008
Sylvia and family,
My prayers are with you at this time. I too, can understand the loss of a mother and what you are feeling. Mothers are a special blessing we are given. Take time to thank God for the mother he blessed you with, for the standards she set for her family & lived by, and for the unconditional love she shared with her children, gandchildren and her family. God bless you all.
Sue Vinson
June 23, 2008
My thoughts and heart felt condolences go out to the Kompkoff family. Sylvia is so special to me and I know now that her mother shines in her and has passed on so much of herself in the person Sylvia is today. My love goes out to Sylvia, Gary, Kaysha, Jordan & Blake as well as all the other members of this family. Always cherish the many memories close to your heart and she will always live within. There is no doubt she would want each of you to remember her with laughter and a smile and not tears. God bless this family durning their time of sorrow and loss of a very dear individual.
Sonya White
June 23, 2008
A mothers love is eternal and will be carried in your heart forever. Thinking of you and your family. Come home safety Sylvia.
Wendy Flake
June 23, 2008
Dear Kompkoff family,
Please know that each and every one of you are in our thoughts and prayers. The loss of a loved one is truly a difficult time but please take comfort in knowing that your family remains in the prayers of so many. Garry, Kaysha, Jordan and Blake, we love you guys dearly. Sylvia, a big kiss and hug will be waiting for you when you return to Carolina! Please remember that we are only a phone call away. The Britts, Ricky, JL, Lee and Joel
Jerri Lynn Britt
June 23, 2008
Dear Kompkoff Family,
My heart goes out to all of you in your loss of Mrs. Kompkoff. I work with Sylvia and we've always kept each other informed about our families. My prayers are with you all.
Sharon Roope
June 23, 2008
Even though I did not know Mabel, she must have been quite a positive person judging by the comments made in this guestbook and by the example that her daughter Sylvia makes. I would like to wish the Kompkoff family the peace that only God can grant at this time of loss. Dwell on the good times. My prayers go out to your family. God Bless!
Paul Helfrich
June 23, 2008
Sylvia and Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. May you find comfort in the beautiful memories you made with your mother . They will live on forever and no one can take these away ! Take care.
Mary L. Felton (Roanoke-Chowan Hospital)
June 23, 2008
Sylvia,
I do know you heart ache and I will pray for strength and courage that you will need to get you thru. It is not easy, if you need a shoulder I am always near.
Joyce Brantley
June 23, 2008
Sylvia, You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Valorie Cooke
June 23, 2008
Dear Sylvia and family - my thoughts and prayers are with you during this sad time - I know you will treasure always the wonderful visit you had in May - time and memories and the support of friends and family will always be yours to cherish.
Sue Lassiter
June 23, 2008
Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Christine Hecker
June 23, 2008
When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure.
Our wish is that those treasured memories give you and your family comfort during this sad time.
We send our love and prayers to Sylvia, Gary, Kaysha, Jordan, Blake and all the Kompkoff family.
Sincerely, The Henderson's
Mike, Cindy, Amanda and Marshall Henderson
June 22, 2008
Thank you Mable and Carroll for allowing me to be a part of such a wonderful family. Thank you for always being there when we needed help. Thank you for your wisdom and guidance. Thank you for your sense of humor. Thank you for your generosity, always giving and only asking that I take care of your daughter and grandchildren. Thank you for the special care packages for the children when we could not afford them. Thank you for being the best inlaws any one could ever ask for. Thank you for my wonderful wife Sylvia. She is more than any mother could every dream for their daughter. Thank you for my two beautiful children Kaysha and Jordan. I can see you in each of them. Thenk you for my grandson Blake. His brief contact with his Big Umma had a huge impact. Thank you for just being you. A wonderful, caring, person inside and out. My only regret is that I could not give you anything close to what you gave me. My best friend and wife Sylvia. Thank you Mable and Carroll
Garry Purvis
June 22, 2008
Brenda Jernigan
June 22, 2008
June 21, 2008
June 21, 2008
June 21, 2008
June 21, 2008
What a lady. It was such an honor to have known Mabel, not only as a friend of her children but also as Umma to her grandchildren. Her kindness, smile, jokes and very warm socks will always remain in the hearts of all that knew her. We all know “Where In The World Umma is now. Sandie Poor
Sandie Poor
June 21, 2008
Uncle Carroll, I loved Aunt Mabel as my own aunt even though she was not related except by marriage to Sally by me. I will miss her smile and friendly ways as she was always ready to give us something from her table or her native supply of food. Please remember all the good times while you are grieving it will make it easier on you.
Johnny Beauregard
June 20, 2008
Miss me - but let me go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me.
I want no rites in a gloom filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free.
Miss me a little but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss me - but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It's all a part of the Master's Plan.
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick at heart.
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me - but let me go!
Our deepest condolences to the Kompkoff family as they grieve the loss of Mabel - their matriarch - a mother's legend is her children - Mabel Kompkoff has left behind a remarkable legend that will live on for generations to come. Our love to all,
Claudia, Gary, Lauren, & Greyson Morris
June 20, 2008
Dear Kaysha, Jordan, Sylvia, Gary and all.
Please know you are all in my prayers.
Barbara Perry
June 20, 2008
We are thinking about you. We still have the Blanket that Umma made for Carole. It will be passed down.
Jerry and Betsy Baker
June 20, 2008
Uncle Carroll,
I love you so very much. My cousins, Jug, Gene, Girlo, Sylvia, Phyllis & Caleb, much love to you also. I know it's so hard to lose your mom. Auntie Mabel is still your shining star and always will be. I appreciate the times she took to teach me different things when i was a small child in Tatitlek--it seems like it was just last week. To the rest of the family, I grieve with you. Hold tight to all the loving memories she left--they will be your strength in the coming months. Uncle Carroll, Auntie is still with you in spirit. She is watching over all of you. I'm sorry you have to go through the grief. She will be missed beyond words. I love you all.
Elaine (Lott) Levshakoff
June 20, 2008
In My Pocket
I have memories in my pocket.
They rattle among the change.
My memories of you are treasures I carry wherever I go.
They are stored in bits and pieces, parts of a beautiful whole
They give me comfort when I think I am alone.
Yes, I have memories in my pocket, like so much other stuff I keep there.
But of all the treasures I have, it’s the memories of you that are the most precious.
Libbie White
June 20, 2008
I feel fortunate to have known the Kompkoff family during our years in Cordova and I know how much Cordova respected and admired Mabel. Her love and strength will always be with the rest of her family. I send love and prayers to all of you.
LuDean Knight
June 20, 2008
I was sorry to hear about the loss of your beloved family member. You are in my thoughts during this sorrowful time.
Maria Harrington
June 20, 2008
Thinking about you and your Family, Gene. From OEHE, Portland, OR.
Rachel Smith
June 20, 2008
Dear Carroll and family,
I've had the pleasure of knowing Mabel and your beautiful family as I've worked for Tatitlek Management, Inc for over 7 years now. My heart is sad and know that Mabel is looking over all her loved ones.... How proud you must be to be a part of such an incredible family. I know that I am proud to know each of the family members that I have had the pleasure of meeting and worked with over the years... Mable touched so many lives is such a positive way!
Hang on to those wonderful, special memories ~ I'm sure they are abundant! She will be missed.
My thoughts and prayer are with you during this difficult time.
Anita Rosett
Anita Rosett
June 20, 2008
My heart goes out to Mr. Kompkoff, all the siblings, children, grandchildren, neices and nephews of Mabel Kompkoff. She was truly a remarkable women! I get to enjoy her attributes and talents through Sylvia's continuation of many of those listed in the orbituary. I am glad you have each other during this sad time.
Barbara Earley
June 20, 2008
A grandmother is a remarkable woman.
She's a wonderful combination of
warmth and kindness, laughter and love.
She overlooks our faults, encourages our dreams,
and praises our every success.
A grandmother has the wisdom of a teacher,
the sincerity of a true friend,and the tenderness of a mother.
She's someone we admire, respect and
love very much.
A grandmother will always have a cherished
place in our memories and in our hearts.
She's someone for whom we want every happiness
in return for the joy she always brings.
A grandmother is all the dear and precious
things in life...
When she's a grandmother like you.
I will miss you Umma!!!
Kaysha Purvis-Horton
June 20, 2008
My condolences to the Kompkoff family. You have been through so much in the last few years. I was fortunate enough to be friends with Mabel's son Gary, before he passed, and I know what a wonderful and special woman she was. May you find comfort in remembering the good times you all had.
Wendy Ferguson
June 20, 2008
I'm so sorry to hear of Mabel's passing. She was one of the sweetest people I've ever known. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Susan Graham
June 20, 2008
I will always remember Mabel's beautiful smile and her kindness that she radiated toward others.
Know that we are thinking of you all and praying for you and yours during this time.
Gordon & Jeannie McElhaney
June 20, 2008
My heart and thoughts are with you as you navigate through these painful times. Know that you are loved.
Betty Massie
June 20, 2008
My condolences go out to the Kompkoff family. Syliva, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to you, Garry, Kaysha, Jordan, and Blake.
Nan Lanier
June 20, 2008
Showing 1 - 47 of 47 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more