Harlena G. Dunn

Anchorage resident Harlena Gay Dunn, 76, passed away Aug. 4, 2015, at St. Elias Specialty Hospital in Anchorage after a long battle with multiple sclerosis.

A graveside service is at 11 a.m., Aug. 7 at Palmer Pioneer Cemetery.

She was born in Christiansburg, Virginia, on Oct. 18, 1938. She graduated from college with a double major in Bible and art. She received her master’s degree from Columbia University and was teaching art when she came to Alaska as a summer worker for Arctic Missions in 1971. Harlena met R. Jim Dunn at Victory upon her arrival and they were married the following June in her hometown.

They built an art and pottery cache on Jim's homestead and named it after Packsaddle Mountain. After their son, Joseph, was born they moved to Anchorage, where she sold Tupperware as a manager (where she was awarded two new vehicles) until multiple sclerosis started to paralyze her.

Her family said, "She always kept a smile and faith in the Lord which kept her going. She loved everyone and the beauty of Alaska."

She is survived by her husband, Jim Dunn; son, Joe Dunn; grandson, Ragnar; sister, Linda Amendola; and brothers, Thomas and Donald Poff.

Arrangements entrusted to Legacy Funeral Home, Heritage Chapel at Angelus. To share condolences with the family visit legacyalaska.com.