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Lily Alford Obituary
Lily was born Feb. 10, 1909 in Cold Bay, Alaska, in the Shumagin Islands while her family was on a hunting trip. Her father dug a cave in the side of the hill for shelter on that frosty winter morning to deliver his baby girl. Oskar "Al" Alfred Osterback and Fackla Vereskin raised Lily and her 8 siblings on isolated Wosnessenski Isle.
Her Papa made her ice skates from metal files and leather straps and she would ski on barrel staves. She enjoyed fishing and hunting (which was like a shopping trip to them!) and gardening and making clothes for her whole family. Entertainment on the island was practicing penmanship and reading. Lily stayed busy her whole life and would sew, knit, crochet, embroider and quilt gifts for her family and friends.
Lily had some moments of fame in the early 1930's as the only "Indian Girl" (she was half Aleut) to hold a Ham Radio license in the United States. The Seattle PI and other mainland newspapers labeled her the "Queen of the North". She would communicate with people all over the world on their homemade transmitter and receiver, her call letters were K7ANQ.
Lily was preceded in death by her husband, Harold T. (Red) Alford Sr., six siblings, her daughter, Lea Bowen and grandson, Jason Scholz.
She is survived by her baby sisters, Florence "Dewdy" Nettle and Pauline Calugan of Alaska; daughters, Ilene Evans, of Washington, Julie (Brad) Brousseau of Gales Ferry, and Connie Jerry of Texas; and sons, Harold Alford Jr. and Gerald Alford both of Washington; six grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren.
Lily was "Mama" to her own children and to many others whom she loved and cared for over the years. Her can-do attitude was inspirational; she sought out the best in everyone and loved with her whole heart. She was admired and respected by all who were privileged to know her.
A memorial celebration of her life will be held Saturday, May 3, 2008 at Bitterlake Community Center, 13035 Linden Ave. N, Seattle at 11 a.m., lunch to immediately follow.
Remembrances may be made to the American Heart Association; flowers should be delivered between 10 and 10:30 at the Community Center.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lily Alford
6 Entries
Sandee Huff
May 5, 2008
Julie & Brad,
So sorry to hear of your loss. May God give you peace in the days and weeks to come.
Sincerely,
Peter and Sandee Huff
Jean Linhardt
May 1, 2008
To a wonderful Grandma who taught us all so much. You would just light up when I would see you and your favorite subject was your family. The last time I saw you as you held my hand you told me what a good friend I was to your daughter. You were always thinking of others. Now I see you in Glory and dancing around the throne. You will always be in our hearts and the memories will be here forever until we meet again. !!
Skyla Hedstrom
April 30, 2008
Rest in Peace Great-Grandma and Great Great-Grandma. We love you so much and miss you always.
xoxo Loads of HUGS and KISSES xoxo
Love always,
Gary, Skyla, Kaylee, Kendra & Kierra
Gina Spiller
April 30, 2008
I love you Grandma. Rest in peace until we meet again. You were an angel on earth and I know you've got golden wings in heaven. I will miss you.
Gina Spiller
April 30, 2008
I loved you Grandma and I will miss you until we meet again. Thank you for all your life lessons. You were an incredible example of grace under fire. You were the rock and the glue of this family. We will never be the same without you. Your last words to me the day before you fell asleep to this world will be cherished in my heart forever "I love you, too, and I'm glad you're my granddaughter."
Dale Gerking
April 30, 2008
A wonderful woman who always enjoyed and carried on her Heritage
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Memorial Events
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