KIBBY WAGENIUS ROBERTSON

Palmer resident Kibby Wagenius Robertson, 48, died Sept. 16, 2003, at her home, of multiple sclerosis.

A memorial service was held at 5 p.m. Saturday at Palmer United Protestant Church.

Ms. Robertson was born Jan. 25, 1955, in Alexandria, Va. In April 1958 she moved to Alaska and had been a resident of Bethel, Juneau, Yakutat, Nikiski and Anchorage before moving to Palmer.

She had worked for the State of Alaska Library, Alaska State Troopers-Stream Guard in Juneau, North Star Hospital, First National Bank, Government Office for Disabilities, and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife in Anchorage.

She was a member of the Chapel by the Lake, Juneau; St. Mary's Episcopal Church, Anchorage; Holy Spirit Episcopal Church, Eagle River; Eagle River Presbyterian Church, Eagle River; and the Palmer United Protestant Church.

Though she had earned a bachelor of science degree in nursing from University of Alaska Anchorage, her unfulfilled wish was to be a nurse midwife. Her family wrote, "We will always remember the beautiful smile and sparkling, fun-loving person Kib has been. As well as her tenaciousness and witness to her faith in Jesus Christ that was expressed as she experienced the ravages of her disease."

Survivors include her parents Sevard and Sandra Wagenius of Palmer; sisters Sydney Zariczny and family of California, Rebecca King and her husband Ronald of Colorado; brothers Sevard Wagenius III and his wife Rebecca of Ketchikan, Eric Wagenius of Wasilla; paternal aunt Betty Christianson and spouse Dr. Ronald of Hinckley of Minnesota; maternal uncle Thomas Blessing and spouse Patricia of Edina, Minn.; nieces Melody, Sandra and Andrea Zariczny of California, Rachael Cranston of Ketchikan; nephews Jessie, Ronnie and Kevin King of Colorado; great-nephew Damien Cranston of Ketchikan; caregiver Carmencita Pingco of Chugiak; and friend since the 6th grade, Sidney Fadaoff.

She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents Sevard and Amanda Wagenius; maternal grandparents Thomas and Sydney Blessing; aunt Margaret Balzart; and cousins Michael Blessing and Mary Bangs.

Family suggests memorial donations to the Hospice of Mat-Su or the Palmer United Protestant Church (PC USA).

Arrangements were made with Evergreen Memorial Chapel.