Alice Nerby

Apr 5, 1928 -

Sep 26, 2024

On Sept. 26, 2024, Mary Alice (Demientieff) Nerby passed away peacefully in her sleep, at the age of 96. Alice was born in Holy Cross, Alaska, on April 5, 1928, to Eluska and Frances Demientieff. When Alice was 18, she moved to Bethel, Alaska, where she met John Nerby, her husband of 64 years. Together, John and Alice raised five children, and had significant roles in the lives of their grandchildren.

Alice was a talented, brave and adventurous woman who was good at nearly anything considered art. She was known for her Athabascan beadwork, root baskets, skin and fur sewing, crocheting and knitting. Alice was a beautiful singer with a voice that her children still affectionately recall hearing. Alice was an excellent baker, who often greeted her children and visitors with the smell of her fresh baked goods. Alice spent as much time in her garden tending to her flowers as she could; She could get her beautiful colorful flowers to grow in any weather condition.

Aside from her artistic talents, Alice had a wonderful laugh and found humor in everything. She appreciated a good story, as well as being a good storyteller. She loved to travel, hunt and fish. And of course, B.I.N.G.O. - as we all know, Alice loved bingo.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Eluska and Frances; husband, John O. Nerby Sr.; son, John O. Nerby Jr.; and grandson, Justin J. Crow Sr.

She is survived by her daughters, Peggy (Jim) Crow and Sandra Abdiu; sons, Mike (Laurita) Nerby and Bruce (Kristie) Nerby; as well as her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Alice will be missed by so many people for so many things, but she will really be missed for her laugh, storytelling and beautiful artwork.

A memorial service was held at the Anchorage Funeral Home, 1800 Dare Avenue in Anchorage, Alaska, on Oct. 4, 2024, at 11 a.m.

The viewing will be held at Peggy Crow's home, 1080 2nd Avenue, on Oct. 5 and 6, 2024. Her Funeral will be held at the Bethel Catholic Church on Oct. 7, 2024, at 2 p.m. The burial will follow at the Veteran Memorial Cemetery with a potluck to follow at the Catholic Social Hall.