Mary Peterson

Sep 18, 1927 -

Dec 5, 2020

Mary Peterson passed away peacefully at the Chiniak Bay Elder House in Kodiak, Alaska, on Dec. 5, 2020.

She was born 93 years ago of Teacon and Ephrazinia Peterson in Akhiok, Alaska, both of whom preceded her. She was preceded in death by husbands Willie Eluska and Walter Simeonoff Sr., and had 12 children. Those who preceded her were James and Robert Simeonoff Sr., Vera Eluska lnga and David Eluska Sr.; as well as sisters and brothers, Marie Peterson, Evelyn Anderson, Jennie Zeedar, Arthur, Lawrence and Teacon "Pete" Peterson Jr.

She is survived by children: Ralph (Sharon) Eluska Sr., Judy Eluska Mitchener, Walter Jr., Albert (Diana) Simeonoff Sr., Mitchell Simeonoff, Laurie Ann Simeonoff and Shirley (Andy) Kahutak.

She has many grand children and great-grandchildren, too numerous to list, but loved by her equally.

She grew up in the lands of her ancestors fishing, picking berries, singing and praying in the Russian Orthodox Church. While she lived in Akhiok she was a commercial fisherman for many years and she also served as health aide and midwife. She loved visiting her many relatives and friends and she also was a successful keeper of tradition in weaving baskets, drying and smoking fish. She sang the Orthodox Christmas songs in Alutiiq and Slavonic. A book of her life was written titled "Birth and Rebirth on an Alaskan Island: The Life of an Alutiiq Healer" by Joann B. Mulcahy in 2001.

Mary was buried in Akhiok after services were held both in Kodiak and Akhiok on Dec. 9, 2020.