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Clarabelle Nance Obituary
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. today at the First Covenant Church of Anchorage. Honorary pallbearers will include her brothers, Clarence Jr., Tim, Sam, Ike and Dennis Towarak; and friend, David Parker.
Clarabelle "Gungoo" Nance was born Nov. 24, 1957, in Unalakleet to Clarence and Guerie Towarak. Her Inupiaq name is "Panigruaq." She graduated from Covenant High School in 1975. She was active in student council, basketball and cheerleading and was crowned tournament queen her senior year. As a classmate she was a friend to all. She furthered her education at North Park College in Chicago and at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She married Louis Nance on Jan. 21, 1984 in Unalakleet.
She was employed by Cook Inlet Tribal Council as a payroll accounting technician.
"As a dedicated fan, Clarabelle enjoyed watching her sons play basketball and baseball at East High School," her family wrote. "She was overjoyed to receive flowers from her beloved "Sista Gal," Marisa Nance.
"Clarabelle excelled in caring for her family. She was a hard worker and always had a good job. Her bright smile and hug brought warmth to not only her children, family and friends but also to her co-workers. Many received notes of kindness and love which exemplified her generous personality. Life will be quieter without her laughter. Peace to her memory."
She is survived by her daughter, Marisa Nance; her sons, James and Clarence Nance and Louis Nance IV; and husband Louis Nance III of Anchorage; mother Guerie Towarak; siblings and their spouses, Clarence and Linda, Tim and Rose, Sam and Nita, Ike and Dennis Towarak, all of Unalakleet; Isabelle and Chester Millett of Anchorage, Annabelle and Dave Cunningham, Willa and Gary Eckenweiler of Unalakleet, and Cindy and Tom Massie of Temecula, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Marlene Towarak of Unalakleet and Ivy 'Jewell' Parchman of Indiana; numerous nephews, nieces, friends and family.
She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rachelle Lynne Nance; father, Clarence Towarak Sr.; brothers, Ambrose and Matthew Towarak; sister-in-law, Shirlee Towarak; nephew, Gabe Towarak; father- and mother-in-law, Louis Owen and Lydia Savok Nance; and brother-in-law, James Nance.
Condolences may be sent to Annabelle Cunningham, PO Box 248, Unalakleet, AK 99684.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Clarabelle Nance
Sharon & Glen Van Valin
February 13, 2009
Linda & Clarence,
Glen and I are so sorry to learn about Clarabelle. Clarence, you spoke of your family so often in South Naknek that we felt we knew them. Was it Clarabelle we met at the airport in Anchorage as she returned home from college? Our hearts go out to you and your family.
Carol Christiansen Piakak
February 1, 2009
Was so sad to hear that Clarabella had passed on. My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family. God Bless
Linda Reynolds
January 25, 2009
Nancy Pants, I love you and I am here for you whenever you need me. I was so sad and shocked to hear such sad news. Your mom had gleams in her eyes everytime she spoke of you and your beauty or your brothers many talents. A mothers heart so full of love can never truly be gone. The ministry of love she portrayed is eternal in all who encountered her. Love you Marisa. My prayers of guidance and generosity for your family
Donna (Koutchak) Dinnocenzo
January 25, 2009
My condolensces to Gungoo's family, parents, in-laws and their families. She was a good friend to me in H.S. I remember a wonderful trip we took, with a group of five from the C.H.S., for the church to share with the village of white Mtn., this was one of many gospel trips students participated in C.H.S. Thank you God for having gungoo cross into my pathway, she was an inspiration to me. We will miss her but will remeber her always. God Bless.
Susanne Davis Beans
January 25, 2009
I only found out today about Clarabelle. I was shocked and saddened at the news. My memories have always been fond ones. God bless you and keep you always.
Sarah (Nelson) Miller
January 24, 2009
To the Towarak & Nance families. Was so saddened to hear the passing of a classmate, dear friend and a kindred spirit, 'Gungoo'. Remembering my first meeting of her and how she made you feel right at ease and we hung around together alot during our high school years of 72 - 75. Even though we parted and when our separate ways, yet when we got together again would always pick-up where we left of and could laugh and talk again. You, Gungo will be deeply missed by all who knew you and cherished you. And thanks for introducing me to your family and relatives while I was in high school and to this day have always cherished your taking me into your heart and for being a great friend and classmate of mine. For the family, praying for your loss and times of loneliness ahead. But, like my mother who too has passed on has told me, "Keep your head up and look to the ONE, who can help during the days of your hard times." Cherish the moments and we comfort you with words, yet knowing God is so much more of COMFORT for each of us. Love and prayers to all her family, during this time. Miss you, "Gung!"
Timothy & Johnette Hedrick
January 24, 2009
Our condolences to the Towarak and Nance families. What I knew of her is her long hair and her vibrant smile. We thank God for the time we had with her and we will always cherish the memories until we one day meet in heaven.Many comfort and love again to the Nance and Towarak families
Trasi and Steve Crawford/Stiegele
January 24, 2009
To a dear friend and whom my boyfriend referred to as "that nice lady”. He didn’t know her well, but realized by meeting her and visiting with her she had a big heart and loved her family very much. She spoke of them often. I'll miss her wonderful smile and the way she intensely listened when we talked. She will be missed by all that new her. Clarabelle you are an angel now so take those wings and fly.
Arlene Nuglene
January 23, 2009
My thoughts and prayers go to Clarabelle's family. She was a ray of sunshine for Cook Inlet Tribal Council. May she rest in peace with God our Father.
Helga Koehler & Family
January 23, 2009
You have left this earth but your kind spirit will always be with your friends and family. I am so proud of your family, being so strong and cherishing the wonderful memories you left with each of them, though you will be deeply missed by all - it's nice to know that we will all be together one day.
Monty & Edna Eakon
January 23, 2009
Condolences to the Nance and Towarak families. Sorry, Edna and I couldn't be there.
January 23, 2009
Nora "Boober" Titus
January 23, 2009
May God be with you and give you strength in your time of loss, I will always remember Clarabelle being happy and full of life... I was just a little girl in Council, Alaska when I first met her. Sincerest condolences to the Nance and Towarak's... Nora Titus "Boober"
Olga & Joel Oyoumick
January 23, 2009
Words can not describe the feeling we are all experiencing at the loss of a special person who touched our lives. I will always remember the special times we had together as CHS classmates; for Joel, as a cousin growing up here in Unalakleet.
She always worked very hard and had a positive attitude even when going through many difficult times. We know her children were all very special to her. We pray for God's strength and comfort to surround the Nance and Towarak family during this time.
Love to you all.
Mildred George Evan
January 23, 2009
Gungoo, it was a surprise to hear of your passing on to the better place. and it is always sad to say Goodbye to a loved one, a classmate, a friend. It has been a while since i saw you. But we have our memories from Covenant High School. For the family you all are in our thoughts and prayers.
Mildred George Evan
January 23, 2009
You will always live in our hearts and prayers.
Esther Brown
January 23, 2009
My sincere condolences and prayers to the Nances, Towaruks and extended families. Clarabelle was one of the nicest friends to meet. May God bless and comfort you during this time.
Carolyn Sampson
January 23, 2009
To the Nance and Towarak family. My sincere condolence to each of you. May God bless you all in your time of sorrow. I will embrace the memories Clarabelle and I shared, also her contagious laughter and smile.
Kathy Fagerstrom
January 23, 2009
Clarabelle:
I know we never got to know one another well but I will never forget the one time I ran into you at Anc at the Wal-Mart parking was so long ago
Marisa Nance
January 22, 2009
On behalf the Nance family we would like to express our gratitude for all the support, thoughts, and prayers. it has helped us through our hard times and will be cherished forever. She's smiling down on us. Peace to her memory.
Jessie & Michael Campbell
January 22, 2009
Clarabelle had a great smile and I loved her to hear her laugh, but we know she loved her family immensely to no end. I remember watching the children and they are great kids. Miss and love you Clarabelle!
Joanne Swanson
January 22, 2009
When I heard of Clarabelle I thought of her sweet personality. I remember Rachel, Glenda and her just being together all the time. I remember her big smile and her friendly inquiries.
We all will miss her. Great is God's faithfulness; He neither slumbers nor sleeps.
Maria (Lamb) Cunningham
January 22, 2009
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Nance and Towarak family. When I first started going to the high school basketball and baseball games, I was happy to see a familiar face even though we cheered for different teams. Gungoo was always at the East games cheering on Louis at both basketball and baseball, and at the adult baseball games cheering on Clarence. I'm going to miss seeing her and our talks about family, home and anything we could think of. Summer baseball will not be the same without her presence. God Bless.
Theresa Quick / Caribou Construction Inc.
January 22, 2009
To Louis and all the family of Clarabelle Towarak Nance .. We are sincerely saddened by the loss of your loved one. May the grace of god help you through your journey without her.
Marlene Haugen
January 22, 2009
To the family of Gungoobelle, I will miss her hearty laugh and smile.My thoughts and prays are with you all. I'm so blessed to have grown-up in the same town as her. God bless you all in his arms of love.
Ralph Carlson
January 22, 2009
My condolences to all the family. Ruth and I send our prayers.
Gwen Anagick-Walters
January 22, 2009
Clarabelle
All the years we went to school together and all the good memories of Covenant High School I will always cherish. You were a big part of my memories. Your smile has always been welcoming and warm. You have always been a good friend. I will miss you.
Your presence was such a comfort to so many people.
My hope is that we will see each other again someday.
Tony and Yvonne Sarren
January 22, 2009
To the Towarak family:
Sincere condolences to the whole family. May the Holy Spirit of comfort wrap you in love during this difficult time.
MARTINA LEEDY
January 22, 2009
TO THE FAMILY OF CLARABELLE
WE CHERISH YOUR MEMORIES
YOUR SMILE KINDNESS JOY FRIEND
MAY YOU REST AND WE ONE DAY WILL JOIN YOU. YOU WILL NOT BE FORGOTTEN. YOU TOUCH SO MANY PEOPLE YOUR COUSIN MARTINA
Norma Rae
January 22, 2009
So sorry to hear of Clarabelle's passing We had many good memories growing up in Unalakleet and graduating from high school together .Our thaughts and prayers go out to all her family members .We had alot of good laughs will miss you wish we could have seen more of eachother .God Bless and Keep you.
Mary Reader
January 22, 2009
My sincere condolences to the family of Clarabelle Towarak Nance. My memories of her are of playing basketball together in our younger days. She was a beautiful person and always a lot of fun. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
ELIZABETH LOPEZ
January 22, 2009
My heartfelt sympathy to the family of Ms. Clarabelle...most especially to our dear-Marisa...she's like a child to me... "No sorrows on this Earth that Heaven can't heal..." - Elizabeth Lopez & Family
Freida McCord
January 22, 2009
We Didn't Get To Say Goodbye":
"We didn't get to say goodbye
We're devastated that you're gone
We'd've done anything to keep you here with us
Right here where you belong
We didn't know that life would take
Such an unexpected path
That you'd be separated from us so soon
Heartbreaking reality we struggle to grasp
And bitter though our losing you has been
And so profound is the pain that we bear
We're sadder still at no chance for goodbye
No final expression of our deep love and care
Yet believing that you're not too far away
That your Spirit still lingers quite near
We'll say our goodbyes in our words and our thoughts
Trusting that each one you'll hear
First, know that you were loved in the truest of ways
So deep that only our hearts can give expression
You'll be forever surrounded by our love
For we're sending it straight up to Heaven
Please know that you'll be cherished by each one of us
For your example and kindness we'll treasure
We understand now how your life was a gift
That was meant to bless us forever
And though we'll miss you terribly
We want your Spirit to be free
Free to enjoy all the wonders of Heaven
Not bound to us in our grief
So watch over us with happiness from Heaven ..."
Ruth Okitkon Tong
January 22, 2009
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Leona Lien (Brown)
January 22, 2009
This world is not going to be the same without your smiles, hugs and above all your laughter. Thank you for being a great friend and your kindness will be deeply missed.
Love,
Glenda Toshavik
January 22, 2009
We love you Clarabelle, Oh yes we do...We love you Clarabelle Oh yes we do..When you're not near us, we're blue......Oh Clarabelle we love you! I'll miss you dearly.......
Paulette Kniseley
January 22, 2009
Dearest Clarabelle
I have enjoyed all of our years together and will miss you very much. Thank You for all of our wonderful times together, our circle has one less link, that has saddened me very much. I will cherish and keep all of our memories in my heart.
Love
Paulette Kniseley
lincoln riley
January 21, 2009
i awoke one day with a beginning of memories and smiles of my uncle louis in a village of tundra and hills far away, a lovely smile took him and he was forever loved and cared for by a princess of the north, i being young did not know what love was or could be, clarabelle, ur heart and love forever shines through what brought u and my uncle togethor, watch over us as god always will all that he cherishes and never leaves behind....to my uncle, please know i wish this upon no one, to the towarks, a smile never forgotten, to god, i thank you for the lovely woman that came into his life and gave him the most adoring children thank you all for i will never forget what love and togetherness means from what this lovely person has shared whilst i knew her lincoln and cindi riley wasilla alaska
Lincoln Riley Jr
January 21, 2009
To the family of Clarabelle our thoughts and prayers go out to you the memories of our families will always be remembered i wish that i could turn back the hands of time and make visiting with family more important but as a young man i did not think of time but with the news of Clarabelle's passing came sadness i wish i had made time please know that her smile and laughter is in my heart and her love of home and family we were all blessed to know her and that my uncle was very blessed being part of her life my prayers to all thoses she loved and may we always remember the children as we pass on these loving thoughts and memories Lincoln and Cindi Riley
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