Mary Ann (Mary K), Kvalheim

Wasilla resident Mary Ann (Mary K) Kvalheim, 68, died Jan. 31, 2013, following open-heart surgery.

She was born Jan. 4, 1945, in Marshall, Minn., to Harold and Peggy Simmons.

In 1965, she moved from Coos Bay, Ore., to Kodiak with her husband, Ray Kvalheim, where their children, Ingrid and Erik, were born. The family moved to Beverly Lake Road outside Wasilla in 1969. Mary lived in the Wasilla area until her untimely death.

Mary started working at the Rainbow Lounge in 1970, a local gathering spot, where she shared many laughs, holidays and stories with people who became lifelong friends. Mary moved her employment to the Legislative Information Office in 1979, starting as the office secretary but quickly moving to the position of Legislative Information Officer. She was known by the public and many legislators as “the best Legislative Information Officer in the state of Alaska,” a bragging right she was very proud of. She loved helping people and researching details of the law to find the best way to get something done. More than one legislator was known to call Mary, often at home after hours, to ask for her “take” on an issue. Her sincere interest in public opinion made her the barometer for the Mat-Su legislative delegation. She retired in 1999.

Above all, Mary was an advocate for anyone who was hurting or disenfranchised. She loved her community and always sought justice for all. Her love and concern extended to lost and abandoned animals. She was very proud to have her name on the Mat-Su Borough Animal Care and Regulation Shelter. Mary was dynamic in her service to the community. She served three terms on the Mat-Su Borough Board of Ethics between 1989 and 2011. She was appointed to the Mat-Su Borough Planning Commission, serving from January 2000 until her election to the Mat Su Borough Assembly in 2002, where she served until 2008 representing the people of Wasilla. Her personal and community interests included active participation with Toastmasters, serving on the boards of Valley for Community Recycling Solutions (VCRS) and Mat-Su Services for Children and Adults. She was active on many committees important to schools, community planning, emergency services, homelessness and libraries. She was a member of the Pioneers of Alaska, Igloo 11 and a lifelong member of the Democratic Party, where she reveled in the election of “her” president, Barack Obama. She enjoyed many social activities, particularly being a Women Who Prefer To Read Book Club bookie.

Mary loved her family and cherished her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Surviving are her son, Erik Kvalheim of Wasilla; grandchildren, Sarah St. Pierre of Anchorage, Rochelle Seghetti of Roseburg, Ore., Aleksandra Kvalheim, Allyftina Afonin, Maria Afonin and Joe Afonin of Wasilla; great-grandsons, Travis, Kai, Isaac and Nathan (Duke) of Anchorage; aunt, Eunice Thorsen; cousins, Sharon Gunderson, Penny Crabtree, Colleen Krebs, Julie Williams and Greg Thorson of Washington state; and many loving friends who cherished, and will deeply miss, her laughter and companionship.

Mary’s most recent involvement was with the organization MyHouse, a nonprofit working to end teen homelessness. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to MyHouse in Mary’s name. Donations can be made online at myhousematsu.org or mailed to P.O. Box 870536 Wasilla, AK 99654. She would also be greatly honored by the donation of blankets, toys and other comforts for her much-loved animals at the Mat-Su Borough’s animal shelter.

A memorial service is from noon to 3 p.m., Feb. 23 at Raven Hall on the Alaska State Fairgrounds. Light refreshments will be served. Her friends are invited to bring a dish to share if they wish.

Cremation services were provided by Kehl’s Mortuary in Wasilla.