Solange Bertin

Solange M. Bertin, 82, a Little Sister of Jesus, died Jan. 4, 2008, at MacInnes House Assisted Living Home in Anchorage.
A memorial funeral Mass will be at 11 a.m. Friday at St. Anthony's Catholic Church in Anchorage, with the Rev. Leroy Clementich and the Rev. Fred Bugarin as celebrants.
Little Sister Solange was born Aug. 4, 1925, in Paris, France. She arrived in Nome in November 1953. She lived in the village of King Island, at the east end of town. She was one of the pioneers in founding and building (literally) the communities of the Little Sisters of Jesus in Alaska. She came to Alaska because she had a strong desire to live among the Eskimo people, whom she loved.
"Between 1953 and 1985, she lived in Nome, on Diomede Island and in Fairbanks, according to the needs of the community," a friend wrote. "Along the years, through circumstances, her orientation changed from living with the Native peoples of Alaska to other concerns triggered by her own health problems.
"She moved to a Senior Housing Building in Anchorage. She had many contacts there and at the Senior Center. She was gifted in many fields. We will remember her for her artistic sense and her inquisitive mind.
"Her last days were spent peacefully at MacInnes House assisted living home, where she was well taken care of until the end."
Survivors are her brother, Michel Bertin and his family; and sister, Marie Claude, all of Paris; and the community of the Little Sisters of Jesus of Nome and Anchorage.
Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Wasilla.