Sally Joyce Carricaburu

Sep 16, 1946 -

Sep 14, 2024

Sally Carricaburu, 77, passed away peacefully at her home in Anchorage, Alaska.

Sally was born in Spokane, Wash., to Leslie and John Carricaburu. The family moved to Santa Ynez, Calif., where John was a successful veterinarian. Sally often went on calls with her dad, assisting with the care of the animals. She was an accomplished equestrian.

After graduating from Santa Ynez Valley High School, she married Kenny Phillips, and they had their son James. Sally went on to earn her English degree at UC Santa Barbara before moving to Kalispell, Mont., where she met and married Patrick Duncan.

They canoed from Seattle, Wash., to Juneau, Alaska, where Sally and Pat had their daughter Jessica. Sally taught at Lemon Creek Correctional Facility. She later moved to Anchorage, and taught at the Adult Learning Center. Sally continued her education at the University of Alaska Anchorage, graduating with a Master of Fine Arts in poetry. Sally taught at Hiland Mountain Correctional Facility, the Anchorage School District and several Alaska villages as a high school English teacher.

Sally floated every summer down the Yukon River, her favorite place to find inspiration for her poetry. She was a gifted writer.

Sally was preceded in death by her parents; sister, Dale; and brother, Bryan. She is survived by her son, Jamie Phillips (Jennifer Phillips); daughter, Jessica Duncan; and grandchildren, Sofia, Nick, Talia, Joshua, Walker, Salem and Chase. She is also survived by her siblings, Robert, Linda and Janet; and sister-in-law, Jill; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. She will also be missed by her beloved dog, Lady, and cat, Diego.

A celebration of life is planned next year in the Santa Ynez Valley. Rest in Peace our beloved Sally.