Emily Ruby Olson

Emily Ruby Olson, 61 died from an aneurysm Jan. 3, 2011, near the arms of her loving husband, Lawrence Olson and sister and brother in-law Anecia and John Breiby.

Memorial services for Emily are at the Wasilla Christian Church in Wasilla on Monday, Jan. 10, at 2 p.m. A potluck gathering of family and friends will follow the service at Wasilla Christian Church.

She was born July 1, 1949, to Ricardo and Anita Lopez in the village of Clark’s Point where she was raised and continued to live with her husband until her death. Emily, lifelong subsistence and commercial fisherman, was “captain” of a set-net site on Clark’s Point Beach. She carried on the subsistence lifestyle she was taught by her mother and grandmother and loved to pick berries, wild plants and process home-smoked salmon for family and friends. She loved to include her children and grandchildren in all of these activities, passing on the traditions that she cherished.

Family and friends were the recipients of beautiful crocheted doilies and hats that she enjoyed making; and they will also remember accompanying her on beachcombing walks after a sea storm to collect artifacts and agates.

Emily worked since 1997 for the Clark’s Point Village Council as Environmental Protection Agency coordinator. She was an avid supporter of her small community and worked hard to bring positive support and change to the village she loved. She also enjoyed working for Indian Education and J.O.M. Programs, SAFE in Dillingham and was very involved in Alaska Rural Cap (FAE/FAS programs).

Emily’s greatest pride was in her family. Those who were close to her knew she was committed to making sure the family stuck together. She leaves her children Anita East (David), Renetta Haggard (John), Heather Olson, Vanessa Olson (James) and Paul E. Briggs (Trudy). Her grandchildren are Damen East, Monique’a Ancona, Kawika Gouveia, Ikaika Gouveia, Jade Shaylee and John Haggard III, Dillon Hughes, NaLeen Vala, Angel Alana and Ioani Olson Santiago.

Emily is also survived by her brothers, Richard (Bonnie) Lopez, Joseph “Mikki” (Karen) Lopez and Pedro Lopez; sisters, Lisa (Max) Dolchok, Gladys Cochran, Anecia (John) Breiby, Nena (Jim) Larson and Clara Amidon. She leaves many nephews, nieces, cousins and other family members throughout the Bristol Bay, Anchorage and Wasilla areas.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Ricardo and Anita Lopez; grandparents, Annie and Yako Iyuptula; uncle, John Nankin; and grandchildren, Paige East and Link Agibinik. She was also preceded by her niece, Blenda Herman, and nephews, Bug a Bugs and Raino Dolchok.

The family was cared for by Valley Funeral Home and Crematory Wasilla.