Lucy Smith Kiunya was born January 16, 1935 to James and Amelia Smith in Cecing. She was united in marriage to Paul Kiunya Sr. in August 1953 in Bethel, AK. She was blessed with 9 children of whom 7 are still living. She had 13 grandchildren and 22 great grandchildren.
Lucy was a school cook beginning in the BIA school system and retiring many years later from LKSD. As a mom to her children, she worked to provide for them in all seasonal activities. She was also able to make woven grass baskets, qaspeqs, beaded earrings and many more.
Although Lucy wondered for many years about her sister Jean Smith Pack, she finally found closure by visiting her resting place in Appleton, Wisconsin. Although this was a saddening discovery, she was completely overjoyed along with her children on finding Jean’s children, John, Brenda, and very recently Zan Smith that are downstates.
We, the family of Lucy Smith Kiunya, thank all her friends for visiting and being friends with her all these years. She was always deeply appreciative of people sharing with her their blessings of food. Thank you all so much for your help and support during these days.
Thank you Nellie Evon, Emma Kiunya, Grace Smith, Joann Andrew, Coffee Family from Marshall, Margie and Morgen Crow, Joe and Rachel Sallafie, and many others that brought food and supplies. Thank you to Sally Smith, Anna Ekamrak, Annie Smith, and Leah Clark that helped keeping the house clean and organized. Thanks to LKSD, CVRF, and the people of Kipnuk for everything you brought and helped with. Quyana and God bless. Quyana Daniel Paul for all your help. Quyana Kugkaktlik Ltd. for the casket, and Ralph and Howard for the casket cover. Quyana cakneq to Oscar, Elena, Jr., Nellie and their children for providing help and a place to stay during all the times she was in Anchorage. Thank you to the Kipnuk Mixed Group for the uplifting songs, it is always great!
Lucy is survived by her children: Loretta Carl, Carl Kiunya, Elena (Oscar) Evon, Paul Jr. (Nellie) Kiunya, Ray (Emma) Kiunya, Joey (Pauline) Kiunya, Emil (Alice) Kiunya, Sonny Kiunya (d), Sally Kiunya (d), and James (Elena) Davidson whom she considered a son.
Grandchildren: Tristen and Brian Carl, Dustin and Vincent Evon, Faith, Hope, and Christian Kiunya, Carolyn Phillip, and Kimberly Kiunya, Nadine and Ethan Kiunya, Emily Kiunya, Robyn Kiunya (d), and Jamie Kiunya (d).
Great grandchildren: Paul, Cayden and Lovelyn (d) Carl, Jairus, Angel, Dayton, and Trevor Ayaprun, Kyle Dock, Sophie, Joy and Harmony John, Jinger, Keith and Jessa Brown, Joshua and Kayla Kiunya, Krissy, Lafaye, Connor, Carson and Kinsley Dusenberry and Brennan Cleveland (d).
Cousins: Ellen Dock (d), Sally and Annie Smith, James, Johnny and Charlie Smith, Minnie Amik, Martha Kashatok, Agnes Paul (d), Julia Handley, and relatives from Kongiganak, Kwigillingok, Tuntutuliak, Chefornak, and Toksook Bay.
We would also like to thank James Davidson for helping with Lucy’s obituary.
Pall Bearers: Tristen and Brian Carl, Dustin and Vincent Evon, Christian, Phillip, and Ethan Kiunya, Ralph, Harvey, Andy, Fred and Evon Jr. Fox, Oscar Evon.
Honorary Pall Bearers: Agnes Jimmy, Catherine Dock, Julia David, Katie Kashatok, Sally Nelson, Rachel Sallafie, Sonny Aliralria, Nellie “Nass” Evon, Margaret “Nass” Beaver, Patty David, Janet L. Andrew, Elena Dock, Pauline Fox, Lenore Fox, Ella Kinegak, Katie Peter, Mary Azean, Lovina Amik, Marcie Amik, Minnie Amik, Sally Smith, Peter Jimmy.
In Memoriam: Lena Fox, Dolly Phillip, Agnes Paul, James K. David, Martha Kanuk.
We, the Kiunya Family thank you all for being there giving us support and uplifting us. Thank you all who brought food, etc. especially to the boys who stay with us at night, you know who you are. Thank you Laurita Nerby for donating food and other necessities.
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