Elvira Dickinson

Elvira “Aunt Vi” Dickinson, 94, died Jan. 4, 2013.

She was born on July 27, 1918, in Fountain, Mich., as one of 11 children. She graduated from high school in 1938 in Flint, Mich.

In 1941, she married Elvin “Uncle Dick” Dickinson. The Dickinsons took an adventure to Fairbanks in 1947, which turned out to be a permanent move to Alaska. Aunt Vi worked for and retired from the Fairbanks North Star Borough. The Dickinsons later relocated to Wasilla in 1980, where Aunt Vi lived until her death.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Wasilla, active in the Salvation Army Home League and a member of the Pioneers of Alaska. She loved family and friends, and never met a stranger. She was kind, sweet and will be deeply missed by many.

Surviving in Alaska are her sister, Jean Weatter of Wasilla; nieces, Nancy Weatter of Wasilla (great-nephew Bryan Peron), Michael and Karen Weatter of Wasilla (great-niece and nephew Samantha and Simon Karls), Debbie and Michael Jones of Anchorage (great-niece and nephews Morgan, Justin, Connor and Hope Jones), and great-niece Danielle Jones (great-great-niece EllaMaye Jones). Surviving in Michigan are her brother, Elwood McClain and wife Janet; and many extended family members, nieces and nephews in the Lower 48.

Preceding her in death was her husband, Elvin Dickinson; and great-niece, Marsha Weatter.

A celebration of life is at 1 p.m., Jan. 12 at First Baptist Church of Wasilla. Arrangements are with Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel.