Nora Satathite

1945 - 2023

Nora (Mahoney) Satathite, longtime North Road (Nikiski) resident died at Heritage Place September 1, 2023, with her husband, Jim, and lifelong friend, Margaret Simon, by her side. She was 78.
Proud to be the daughter of Irish immigrants, Nora was born July 8, 1945, and grew up in rural Wisconsin with her four siblings: Patrick, Anna, Denis, and Danny. Nora baked a 'mean' Irish soda bread-golden raisins preferred, thank you. Upon graduation from Mount Mary University in Milwaukee, she came to Alaska at the urging of her brother Patrick. She signed a contract as English teacher with the Kenai Peninsula School District in 1967 and taught at Kenai and Nikiski high schools until her retirement. One of her students described Nora as "a super fun teacher and a benevolent community presence." Upon retirement and having a love of numbers she went to work for H&R Block preparing taxes. She tended bar at the Lamplight several summers 'just for fun!'
In November of 1977, she married Jim Satathite and soon they left their starter home (a trailer house) and built a lake home where she resided until her death. Her interests and activities varied widely from golf to kayaking, reading mysteries or listening to them as she walked her beloved dog, Annie. August silver salmon fishing the Swanson River was a must! Though not a proclaimed 'green thumber' she planted beautiful begonia baskets each year to hang on their deck. She was a fierce competitor at the card table, especially if you were playing cut-throat pinochle. Nora and Jim were aptly described as salt-of-the-earth, stewardship-minded parishioners of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church.
Nora had a wicked sense of humor, and she was a lover of puns that could make you groan. You need not know Nora very long before you would hear her say: "It is what it is." or about her husband, who was a welder: "He cleans up good."
Nieces and nephews shared their memories and love of their Aunt Nora in these words: "Aunt Nora loved Neil Diamond, Wisconsin thunderstorms (that she missed living in AK), attending her school reunions and her strawberry patch. She was the ever-present "best Aunt" to many nieces and nephews. Many of us recall her gifts during the holidays, the time she spent with all of us and her of sense humor. It was our dear Aunt Nora that shared highly inappropriate Irish ballads with her young nieces and nephews to the absolute delight of us all. She was absolutely the "favorite Aunt." Aunt Nora was also the "keeper of history" and took it upon herself to research and develop a full accounting of our lineage and Irish heritage. Her efforts to share her beloved Irish background continue to be the gift that will continue to give through the ages. Aunt Nora had such a kindness to her. She took special care of a young niece who lost her Mother (Nora's sister) and spent hours and years providing support and love. Our Aunt took the extra time to ensure she called on birthdays, recognized important dates or events and simply stayed connected. She was the glue for many in the family while keeping the ties that bind ever present. She will be missed and loved by us all."
Preceded in death by her parents and four siblings, Nora is survived by her husband, Jim; stepdaughter, Emily (husband, Earl); grandchildren, Heather (husband, Adam) and Cheyenne (husband, Feron), five great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass, officiated by Fr. Patrick Brosamer, will be celebrated at 11:00 AM Saturday, Sept. 16, at Our Lady of the Angels Catholic Church in Kenai. A reception will follow downstairs in Stewardship Hall.
Memorials may be made to the Kenai Animal Shelter 510 N. Willow Street Kenai, AK 99611
Condolences may be sent to Jim Satathite P.O. Box 7308, Nikiski, AK 99635
A special thank you to the staff at Heritage Place for the care and compassion shown to Nora during her final months.
Arrangements by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.