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Marie Smith-Jones Obituary
Public viewing will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with a funeral at 1 p.m. Friday at St. Innocent Russian Orthodox Church, 401 Turpin St.
Chief Marie was born May 14, 1918, in Cordova. Chief Marie was 89 years old and was the last known full-blooded Alaska Eyak Indian and the only remaining Native speaker of the Eyak language.
Beginning in the early 1960s, Chief Marie worked with professor Michael Krausse of the Linguistics Department of the University of Alaska Fairbanks to preserve the Eyak language. Chief Marie dedicated the later years of her life to advocating for environmental protection and she was actively involved in numerous Native American issues. During her lifetime, Chief Marie was invited to speak at the United Nations on two occasions. She was honored to share her passion for indigenous languages and for world peace.
Her children said that their "Momma" will be forever missed by both her family and her wonderful friends. The world has truly lost a treasure with her passing.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 20 years, William F. Smith; her infant son, Leroy Smith; and her daughter, Juanita A. Smith.
Chief Marie is survived by her seven remaining children, Leonard F. Smith of Anchorage, L. Bernice Galloway of Albuquerque, N.M., William F. Smith Jr. of Valdez, JoAnna Westmoreland of Tucson, Ariz., Mona G. Curry of Anchorage, Sandy A. McKinley of Fife, Wash., and Sharon L. Link of Wasilla. She is also survived by her 24 grandchildren, Pondador Dennis, Sherry Smith, Lonora Smith, Todd Galloway Jarrod Galloway, Steve Galloway, Donald Smith, Scott Smith, James Smith, Billy Smith, Mindy Smith, Allison Smith, Tammy Pennington, Barbara Sappah, Kristopher Westmoreland, Mariah Westmoreland, Nicole Curry, Garrett Curry, Taylor Curry, Stacey Sadler, Juanita Painter, Christy Von Kirchmeyer, Michael Volz and Eric Volz; and her 21 great-grandchildren. Chief Marie leaves behind friends too numerous to mention but much loved by her.
Funeral arrangements are being made through Kehl's Funeral Home.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Marie Smith-Jones
Virginia Brizgaloff
January 26, 2008
So very sorry, my condolences to the family. Your mom will be missed.
Virginia Brizgaloff
January 25, 2008
My condolences to the Smith family. So very sorry and my prayers are with you.
Virginia Brizgaloff
January 25, 2008
My condolences to the Smith family. So very sorry and my prayers are out to you.
David Fratis
January 25, 2008
May Creator Bless Your Family With Peace, Comfort, And Assurance In Their Time Of Grief.
Mary Waskey
January 25, 2008
To all of Grandma Maries Family.yes she is going to be missed by many of us i met her 13 years ago in Tuson,arziona at the childerns sundance,then i fell in love with her not only because she was from alaska,but i conect with her like i've known all my life,i loved her as a sister,a mom,friend,my own grandma.may the creator watch over all the family an friends.
all my love an prayers to all
mary waskey
Rose Chuitt
January 25, 2008
My condolences to the family of Chief Marie, she will be missed. My girls and I always enjoyed being with Chief Marie as she enjoyed being with my girls, she always loved getting hugs and holding them.
Samantha
January 25, 2008
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Lydia Wilson
January 24, 2008
My family and I have loved your Mother as she has made us a part of her family and friends. She has told us of her enjoyment of watching Sarah, my granddaughter, growing and learning Native song and dance. She also asked for and received an picture of my husband, Diamond Jim, when he died. Her Elder Provider, Alfreda, said he looks at her every time she visits Chief Marie. We will miss her company at potlatches, pow-wows and other Native gatherings.
May you find blessed peace and God be with you over your loss. Lydia Wilson
Diane Helton Cowell
January 24, 2008
I remember your mom and her great sense of humor,she always treated me like one of the family.She will be missed.My condolences and love to all of you,Diane
flora simon(allen)
January 24, 2008
prayers and thoughts go out to all the family
Susan Smith (Graham)
January 24, 2008
I remember your Mom making the best maple bars in the world. She was a good friend to my mother. My condolences to the family.
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