Elaine Upicksoun

Aug 12, 1930 -

Jan 16, 2020

Elaine Mary Sigvan Lockwood Upicksoun was born in Shaktoolik, Alaska, on Aug. 12, 1930, to Ada Pitmiktalik and was raised for a brief time by Mr. and Mrs. Aukon of Egavik, both of whom died during a flu epidemic in 1932. Selma Lockwood of Unalakleet received word that a little girl named Mary had lost both parents, so she walked up the coast to bring her home and renamed her Elaine Mary. After Ada Pitmiktalik married and became Ada Nils, she tried to regain custody of Elaine but was denied the chance. Later in life, Elaine spoke of having gratitude for being raised by the Lockwoods in a Christian home. Although Elaine experienced what some might say was a heartbreaking and even traumatic beginning in life, she would become the matriarch of the Upicksoun family. Elaine's final words were, "I have to be okay; I'm The Mom."

Elaine lived a subsistence lifestyle, attended school in Unalakleet to the eighth grade and was unable to further her education, as she remained home to care for her aging parents. Elaine married Arthur Nokik Upicksoun on Aug. 15, 1947. From that union, Allen Leonard, William Henry, Selma Ann, Alma Mae, Martha Jane and Anna Marie were born. Following her husband's career, Elaine lived in Kotzebue and Tanana and, in 1960, made her final home in Anchorage, Alaska.

Elaine was a loving wife, mother and friend, a meticulous homemaker and worked part-time as domestic help for employees of the Federal Government and their families. In 1960, Elaine began her career at the Alaska Native Medical Center, where she washed and sterilized baby bottles and retired as first cook in June 1990. Elaine was proud of her family and career accomplishments, and was an independent woman who set the example of how to live a true Christian life.

After retirement, Elaine continued to faithfully attend Sunday service at the First Evangelical Covenant Church to include the Wednesday morning women's bible study. Visiting and preparing traditional native foods for the Southcentral Foundation Senior Center lunch program gave Elaine great satisfaction and pride in her Inupiaq heritage. Elaine returned to Unalakleet during the summer and fall months to dry fish and pick berries with her lifelong friend Theresa Nanouk. Elaine also enjoyed picking berries in the Southcentral Region with her good friends, Alice Glenn and the late Esther Sambo. You could also find Elaine gardening and tending to her apple trees and vegetable garden during the summer months and preserving the bounty in the fall months.

Elaine was preceded in death by her mother, Ada Pitmiktalik Nils; parents, Selma and Henry Lockwood; son, William Henry; husband, Arthur Nokik; brothers, George and Clarence Lockwood; half siblings, Muriel and Collins Nils; and foster brothers, Mischa Etageak and Joe Pleasant.

A funeral was held on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2020, at the First Evangelical Covenant Church. A burial is planned in the spring at the Anchorage Memorial Park Cemetery; date and time to be determined.

She will be missed by her loving family, including many nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

"Believe in the Lord your God so shall ye be established; believe his prophets, so shall ye prosper." - II Corinthians 20:20