Longtime Alaskan MayBelle Hooper, 90, died March 24, 2009, at Providence Alaska Medical Center.
A memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Friday at the new chapel at Horizon House.
MayBelle was born Oct. 20, 1918, to Art and Anne Tobin in Highbridge, Wis. She was the seventh out of 11 children. In 1937, she married Mike Janigo, and they came to Alaska in 1941 on an Alaska steamship with their two young sons and $42 in their pocket. They lived in Palmer for nine months and then moved to Anchorage and built a small house. They built and operated the first Washeteria in Spenard for 16 years.
After Mike died in 1970, MayBelle went to work for the Anchorage School District in the food service department at Romig Junior High, retiring in 1986. She married Robert Hooper in 1975, and he passed away in 1994.
MayBelle liked gardening and sharing her vegetables and flowers with family and friends. She also enjoyed dancing and having a good time with her friends, fishing and her grandchildren.
She belonged to the Pioneers of Alaska, Moose Lodge, Catholic Daughters, Elks Lodge, Real Alaskans and Alaskan Prospectors Society.
MayBelle was loved and will be greatly missed by her family and friends. She loved to make you laugh, which wasn't difficult with her quick wit and "little comebacks."
Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Gene and Sharon Janigo; grandchildren, Gene Jr., Melanie, Melissa and Jolene Janigo of Anchorage and Vincent Janigo of Bellingham, Wash.; and 13 great-grandchildren; sister, Millie Vitek, and sister-in-law, Lorraine Tobin both of Highbridge, Wis.; sister-in-law, Margaret Sajdak; niece, Marie Doil; nephew, Michael Novak, all of Anchorage.
She was preceded in death by her two husbands and son, Richard Janigo, in March of 2000.
Memorial donations in her name may be made to Horizon House, 4140 Folker St, Anchorage 99508 (for the chapel), or the charity of the donor's choice.
Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by by Gene & Sharon Janigo.
6 Entries
You probably dont know me but I am Art Tobin's daughter. I just wanted to say that I will always have very fond memories of aunt Maybelle she was a very great person, and her and my grandpa were so much alike.
Crystal Tobin
July 31, 2009
April 19, 2009
April 19, 2009
I'm sorry to hear of Maybelle passing. we had some good times together a long time ago.
Rita Goshorn
April 1, 2009
We are saddened by the news of Aunt Mabe's passing.A smiling, cheerful lady who lived a full and eventfull life. Our deepest sympathny to Gene and the family. Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Bob & Rosemary Janigo
April 1, 2009
Gene & Sharry, sorry to hear of Maybelle's passing.
Linda Reagan
March 31, 2009
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