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Janelle Sommer Obituary
Janelle was raised in Tanana by her loving extended family where she graduated from high school in 1989 at the top of her class.
She was active in sports and was an extremely bright young woman. She was talented artistically and excelled at beadwork. She loved working in the medical field as a community health aide and always held an interest in medicine. Janelle enjoyed lifelong friendships and would do anything for family and friends. She also had a strong belief in a loving Lord that helped her throughout difficult times.
Janelle was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Maudrey J. and Henry Sommer; great-uncles, Glenn Butler and Morris Thompson; great-aunt, Thelma Thompson; aunt, Lucille Sommer; paternal grandparents, Jennie and Fred Stickman, Sr., and uncles Fred and Leo Stickman.
Janelle is lovingly survived by her adored daughters, Patti Flora Sam, of Galena, and Naomi Noelle Sommer, of Anchorage; the father of her children, Michael Masters, of Anchorage; mother, Judy (George) Jensen, of Nenana; father, James G. Stickman, of Anchorage; sister, Amy Collins, of Indiana; great-grand-aunts, Elsie Tremblay and Martha Henderson; great-aunt, Bernice (Eli) Aragon; aunt, Mary McLean; aunts, Donna (Kirby) Brooks, Marie (Michael) Andon, Betty Jean (Fred) Olin, Karen (Hugh) Kriska, JoAnn (Clarence) Sam, and Connie (Bum) Sommer Mayo; uncles, Chris (Albertha) Sommer, Rudy (Annie) Sommer, and Coleman Sommer. She leaves behind many friends and a host of cousins.
The family is grateful to Janelle's father, James, for providing her a safe haven at his home for the past several years. Also appreciated is the care and compassion of the Critical Care Unit at the Alaska Native Medical Center.
A viewing was held from 9:30-11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17, at Fairbanks Funeral Home. Janelle will be buried in Tanana following a funeral service Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at St. Aloysius Catholic Church.
A traditional Athabascan potlatch in celebration of Janelle's life will be held following burial at the Mission Hill Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Janelle Sommer
Angelo Wright
October 24, 2012
My deepest sympathy Janeelle Angelo Wright Love you
tina adams komploff
October 21, 2012
U will be very missed!!!! my heart and prayers to family
Freida McCord
October 19, 2012
Chedda and Family;
She was just a very good friend of mine, i can not believe i woke up and saw this in the paper, I know we never lose the people we love. They live the rest of our lives with us in our heart.
We must respect the dead and continue to live. We all have a journey and leaving a life behind is an honor.
My condolence to all of you, prayers to all of her family, she will be missed but not forgotten
Valda Tyone-Akpik
October 19, 2012
I'm going to miss seeing Janelle at the hospital church, she had a sweet spirit and she loved Jesus; I am so thankful that she made him her Lord & Savior.
Patsy Cronin
October 19, 2012
May the God of all comfort be with the family. All of the enteries post about how sweet she was, all of us knew the same sweet Janelle with that bright smile. Going to miss seeing her.
Denise Callahan
October 19, 2012
My prayers and thoughts are with the family during this hard time. Janelle was such a sweet lady with a bright smile she is going to be missed by all who knew her.
Leta Gannon
October 18, 2012
Janelle was such a beautiful woman with a loving spirit! She touched many a people as well as myself...always had a kind word to share with others and would light the room with that beautiful smile! My deepest condolences to her family! Love You Lots Girl and will Miss You!
andie boschert
October 18, 2012
God be with you Janelle,and with your family at this time.
Words, however kind,can't mend your heartache;but those who care and share your loss wish you comfort and peace of mind.May you find strength in the love of family and the warm embrace of friends.
With deepest sympathy
Laura,Jim,&Gary Withrow&Andie Boschert Love to all
Helen Andon Stafford
October 18, 2012
My sincerest condolences to all of the family of Ms. Janelle. My heart aches for you. Although I can't be at the potlatch, I am hearing the songs. Love to all.
October 18, 2012
Very sad news today, prayers go out to her family and friends. I have fond memories of her while growing up next door to the Thompson's. Peace be with you Janelle.
Cheryl Eluska & family
justine attla
October 18, 2012
i met her this past summer at the anmc, visiting ellen mark bourdon there. She was so nice & friendly, I told her me & daughter just moved from fairbanks to anchorage in july, she got on the bus with me, left her bike, & we went all over for over half the day, she was good bus teacher, we laugh. then she showed me how to grid anchorage into areas, etc. so we went back to the anmc & i wanted to buy her lunch but she kept saying, no, no, I just wanted to help you, man, after that I just hug her whenever I see her around, she just was so compassionate.
Sandy
October 18, 2012
I am saddened to hear of Janelle's passing. Sadly two weeks ago I wasn't able to stop and say hello and goodbye. This really makes me think of the opportunities we miss by life being so busy. Janelle always took the time to stop and say hello and give a kind word, full of kindness. RIP my dear friend. Condolences to Janelle's family.
Polly Hyslop
October 18, 2012
My heartfelt condolences to Janelle's family and friends. It is always sad to lose one of our own at a young age. Her daughter Patti was named after my late sister Patti Hyslop. May God's hand of healing touch all those who knew Janelle.
October 18, 2012
Janelle you will be missed, your smile your kindness, I have a lot of fond memories with you...you always made me laugh..you touched a lot of lives,,,and to your beautiful girls, who you adored..till we meet again..on that beautiful shore.love you my friend.. always valerie j. olin
Julye Kien
October 18, 2012
Janelle was a very nice and beautiful woman. She was always smiling whenver I ran into her and she had a sense of humor. I will miss talking to her because I would always leave with a smile on my face. She was very proud of her heritage. It is rare to meet a nice person like her. May the Lord bless and comfort the family during this difficult time. Rest in Peace,Janelle,your beautiful smile and laughter will be missed. Your Navajo..friend...
Shirley Sam
October 18, 2012
Rest in peace Janelle, god be with you. I pray for comfort and peace to the family and friends. Janelle was such a sweet girl, I enjoyed the visits and time I spent with her.
Sheila Cheverie
October 18, 2012
Our condolences to the Sommer & Stickman family. Janelle had a great personality & beautiful smile. Sending hugs to the family. God Bless.
Honalee
October 17, 2012
Going to miss your pretty face...
eleanor cole
October 17, 2012
RIP dear Janelle.You were always so zealous and a true free spirit!As well as always sweet to whomever you met.
October 17, 2012
Rest in peace my dear friend!!!
Bernice Ayscue
October 17, 2012
May God Bless all the family at this time. Keeping you in my prayers. Bernice Gurtler Ayscue
MARGARET ALBERT
October 17, 2012
She always checked on me and me her. Never heard from her for a month or so. Tried calling last week but she was in the shower then was busy after. I will miss very much. LOVE AND MISS YOU LITTLE ANGEL. LOVE ALWAYS AND FOREVER.
Margaret Williams
October 17, 2012
Janelle was a very nice and sweet lady - last time I seen her she was smiling and talking away @ ANMC cafeteria.. May u now rest in peace and happiness with all ur loved ones. God Be With UR family and friends...
Aggie Britt
October 17, 2012
Prayers are with the family during this difficult time. Janelle was such a sweet person always had a smile and kind words. I will miss seeing her around Anchorage.
October 17, 2012
Such a beautiful woman, a beautiful soul. You will be missed cuz. Give love to those that met you on the other side. Prayers especially to Patti and Naomi. Love you, Charlene M
Josephine Grant
October 17, 2012
You will be missed Janelle. May God comfort Family and Friends during this time.
Christine Cooper
October 17, 2012
Sending my thoughts and prayers to the family of Janelle. Such a beautiful person with the smile of a model. You will be missed by so many Janelle, RIP my friend.
October 17, 2012
My prayers are with her girls and family. RIP dear cousin.
October 17, 2012
Love and Prayers to the family and her girls at this difficult time. Janelle was a beautiful soul and will never be forgotten.
Rest In Peace My Dear Friend..
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