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Neva Egan Obituary
She was born Oct. 3, 1914, in Wilson, Kan., to Martha Desdia Alderson McKittrick and Joseph Leland McKittrick. She moved to Alaska in 1937 and never left.
Neva came to Valdez in 1937 on the "Teachers Special," a steamship loaded with teachers returning for their winter jobs. She taught grades four through six and music to all levels in the Valdez public schools. She soon met William A. Egan in Valdez; they were married Nov. 16, 1940. Later, Neva joined Bill in operating their Valdez grocery store, the Valdez Supply. Their son Dennis was born in 1947.
Bill, with Neva by his side, became active in Alaska politics and the fight for statehood. The family moved to Washington, D.C., for 19 months while Bill lobbied for Alaska statehood. After statehood, Bill was elected governor; Neva's role as Alaska's first lady was hard work, yet very rewarding.
Neva treasured the experiences she had and the many people she met; she was very proud to have had a part in Alaska's history. She took great delight in retelling stories of her life in Alaska, particularly those of early statehood. Neva was active in community and political affairs and many boards and commissions. She was a gifted pianist and she loved to sing "Alaska's Flag." She had a wonderful sense of humor and gift of laughter. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her son, Dennis and daughter-in-law Linda; granddaughters and their husbands: Jill Egan and Sandy Vergano, and Leslie Egan and Tyler Malstrom; and brother, Richard McKittrick.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Egan; daughter, Elin Carol Egan; and sisters, Helen Spiegelberg, Margaret McKittrick and Josephine Trowbridge.
The family thanks Dr. Bob Urata and the staff at the Juneau Pioneers' Home for their dedication and care.
A celebration of life will be planned at a future date.
Donations in Neva Egan's memory are suggested to the William A. Egan Scholarship, University of Alaska Foundation, P.O. Box 755080, Fairbanks 99775.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Neva Egan
Nancy Beals Hood
February 2, 2011
Dennis, my sincere sympathy to you and your family. Your Mom was a fine lady. She had so much fun at the Valdez Old Town Reunion as the piano player for the entertainment. I also remember how she always participated in the elementary school events in Valdez.
Nancy Beals Hood, Payson, AZ
Karen Archer
January 26, 2011
Dennis, so sorry to read about your mom. She was a great lady and she did have a great sense of humor. I still remember the fried chicken dinner she fixed for the Pecks, my folks and me when you guys were in the Governor's Mansion. Um, Um, Good!
My mother, Mary and I send our deepest sympathies for your loss. Karen
Kevin Gilson
January 26, 2011
OUR THOUGHTS GO OUT TO DENNIS AND FAMILY. WE GREW UP TOGETHER IN OLD VALDEZ AND HIS MOM WAS A BIG PART OF OUR EARLY LIVES. RIP Neva
Ray Church
January 25, 2011
Neva, so many fond memories. The last time we saw you was at the Old Town Reunion in Valdez. Such a wonderful lady!
Fondly, Ray and Charlotte Church
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Judy (Noreen) Levshakoff
January 25, 2011
Miss Neva, you were such a part of my life, growing up around you since 1951. The last time I saw you was at the Old Town Reunion in Valdez, you were just as vibrant then as you always were. You have gone to join Bill finally, please know that you have taught us so much and as Bill, you will be missed.
Laurence Clarke
January 25, 2011
So many in Juneau wished that Mrs. Egan could remain the perpetual FIRST LADY regardless who was elected governor so much was her gracious and charming impact!
Lucy Groh
January 25, 2011
Rest in peace Neva Egan. You were indeed a lady with a bubbling personality and a gracious heart. Alaskans knew you cared deeply for the entire state and all of its people. Lucy Groh
LEO & ERNA RASMUSSEN
January 25, 2011
She was a Grand, Grand Lady to and for Alaska, never turned down a request to be a part or a piece of Alaska; its present and its future. Missed is only to simple to express the loss of this Lady that served Alaska in so many ways. LEO & ERNA RASMUSSEN, Nome, Alaska
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