Jennie Wright 1905 - 2009

Wednesday, April 8th, at 12:37 am, after a few weeks in the hospital, Grandma Jennie passed away, at the age of 103. Twelve hours earlier, she had been awake, alert and angry with her doctor for not visiting her on Sunday - the doctor's one day off... Eight hours earlier, she began to struggle to breath and became non-responsive.

Over the course of those eight hours, family and friends from around Sitka came and visited with her, holding her hand, stroking her hair and talking and singing with her.

She was blessed, and we were blessed to have known her, and to have been loved by her. She has touched so many, and will be missed.

Rest in Peace, my sweet Sunshine, I love you and will miss you always.

You Are My Sunshine
My only sunshine.
You make me happy
When skies are grey.
You'll never know, dear,
How much I love you.
Please don't take my sunshine away

Merry Christmas from Grandma Jennie

Another wonderful Christmas, with family and friends to share it with.

When you're 100, I think every day contains a little Christmas in it.

When your with Grandma, it doesn't matter if its winter, spring, summer or fall, there's a spirit of giving and love aplenty.

Birthday Portrait

Grandma captured during a quiet moment. A long life paints itself on a person, doesn't it?

Food is a Fond Reminder

The smell and taste of things are some of the strongest memories we carry with us throughout our lives.

It's obvious here that these traditional Tlinget foods, served at an honorary "appetizer luncheon" at the Pioneer's Home, was truly appreciated by those who participated.

Life's a Song

Grandma and Ted listen as Sitka Tribal Association performers Ethel Makinen and Roby Littlefield sing Grandma a Tlinget song.

Elders are generally revered in Tlinget society, and Grandma had quite a lot of fun both with the songs, and an "appetizer" feast of native food - herring eggs, dried salmon, etc. which was presented in her honor before lunch.

At the Beach

A Closeup of Grandma Jennie at the beach, this picture is from the 60's I'm pretty sure. This looks like it was at the Halibut Point Recreation Area.

Grandma and Grampa at the Beach

Grandma and Grandpa at the beach with Larry, Ted and another child from the neighborhood. Probably Ivor Malline, who lived with them for a year or two when we were very small.

Sitka Cafe

This picture shows grandma and another waitress at the Sitka Cafe. We think this picture may be from the 1940's, but we don't have a specific date, and it may even be from the 30's.

Grandma spent a lot of years working as either a waitress in restaurants or as a cook in logging camps throughout S.E. Alaska.

Grandma Larry and Ted

Not sure what the date of this picture is, but it doesn't look like our house in Sitka, so it could be in California or somewhere else.

Grandma at 5

Writing on the back of this photo says it is of Grandma at age 5, and that the fur coat she is wearing was made by her Mother out of Lynx fur.

During a visit from Andy and Brandon, Grandma mentioned that the hat she is wearing in this picture is made of wolverine fur, and was also hand made by her mother.

On Sunday, the 23rd, Grandma's birthday was celebrated at the Presbyterian Church, where she was an Elder, for many, many years. Ted and I were both baptized there a loooong time ago. Here grandma prepares to blow out the candles on her cake at that party. In the picure are Me(with my head cut off), Ted, Jullee and Ted's Son Ted Jr. ( taller than Ted now, so we can't call him "teddy")
Can you tell that Grandma's favorite color is pink??

Brother Ted Cuts It

Here's Ted cutting birthday cake for the guests, with my wife Jullee and Dr. Bob in the background.

Laughter is powerful

This picture captures Grandma while laughing as she reads one of the many birthday cards she received. She had 100s of cards, including ones from the President, the Governor, and our local state representative, Peggy Wilson, who included a very nice personal hand-written note. Grandma likes her because she's from Wrangell.

A little Dance Music

Grandma gets that dance with Dr Bob (her personal physician, Dr. Robert Carlson, who has been her doctor for almost forever)
The promise to dance with her on her 100th is rumored to be at least 25 years old...

Candle Action

Grandma blows out the candles (with a lot of help from Great Grandson Chris) - don't know if she made a wish.