JEAN LOUISE LONGESKI

Memorial services for Palmer resident, Jean Louise Longeski, 81, are 1 p.m., Oct. 9, at St. Michael Catholic Church with the Rev. Jamie Mencias officiating. A graveside service is at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Oct. 12, at Ft. Richardson National Cemetery. Everyone will meet at the main gate off the Glenn Highway by 2:30 p.m. to be escorted onto the base.

Jean died at home Oct. 3. She was born July 6, 1929, in Syracuse, N.Y., and came to Alaska in 1951. She worked for ACS from 1951 to 1952 and also for ATU from 1972 to 1982. She lived in Anchorage from 1951 to 1984 and Palmer from 1984 to 2009, at which time she temporarily moved to Primrose in Wasilla.

She was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church, the Palmer Senior Center, the Pioneers of Alaska — Igloo No. 11, and the African Violet Club. She volunteered at Bishops Attic Thrift Store and also knitted hats for newborns leaving Valley Hospital.

“Upon arriving in Alaska in 1951 as a new bride, Jean became a true pioneer, never afraid to gut a fish or quarter a moose to provide for her family,” her family wrote. “Jean’s greatest joy came from her family and church. She devoted her life to caring for and supporting those she loved through listening ears and thoughtful words. She will be deeply missed by family and friends, whose lives she has touched across the country, and especially by her loving dog, Joey, who gave her hours of healing comfort.”

Jean is survived by her son, Benjamin (Valerie) Longeski Jr. of Wasilla; daughters, Kathleen (Rickie) Travis of Eagle River and Michelle (Thomas) Gillette of Palmer; brother, Roger (Betty) Wise; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions be sent to the Palmer Food Bank, P.O. Box 579, Palmer, AK 99645.

Arrangements by Alaskan Heritage Memorial Chapel & Crematory of Wasilla.