Dora Schaefer, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully at her home in Port Angeles, Washington, on Saturday, March 21. She was surrounded by her loving husband, Gary, and a daughter, Sheri, under the compassionate care of Hospice Care of Washington.She was 87 years old.
Born May 1, 1938, in Wainwright, Alaska, Dora entered the world with the aid of a Native midwife. She was the daughter of Karl Mukpik of Icy Cape and Clara Akneeyah Bolt of Tigara.
Dora spent her early years in Wainwright and Barrow, where she lived connected to her Iñupiat culture. As a child, Dora endured a serious burn injury and was sent to Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital in Sitka for treatment. During recovery, she was attended to by Irving and Mabel Ungudruk, a family connection she always treasured. Dora later attended Mt. Edgecumbe High School until 1956, after which, she worked at Mt. Edgecumbe Laundry.
In 1957, Dora married Eli Derenoff at St. Michael’s Orthodox Cathedral in Sitka. They made their home on Japonski Island and raised their children: Patricia, Eli, Margie, and Richard. In 1965, the family moved to Jeff Davis Street in Sitka.
Dora’s life changed profoundly in 1968 when Eli was tragically lost at sea. With courage and determination, she completed her GED and worked at Mable’s Drive-In alongside her friend Mable Moy. Emma Kohler and Corrine Nelson surrounded her with comfort and friendship during this time.
In 1969, Dora met Gary Schaefer and they were married in the Sitka Salvation Army Church in 1970. Gary was raising his children, Sheri, Jerry, and Robert. They blended their families, and with their own son, Dennis, they raised eight children together.
Dora and Gary built a life lived with hard work and adventure. They lived in Auke Bay, downtown Juneau, and Douglas, where Gary worked for the City of Juneau. During the summers, they loved fishing for salmon. Dora enrolled with Sealaska and Goldbelt during the formation of the Alaska Native Claims Settlement Act, affirming her Alaska Native kinship.
The family later moved to Elfin Cove, living a subsistence lifestyle of hunting, fishing, and homeschooling their children through correspondence courses. They eventually settled in Pelican so their children could attend a local K–12 school.
After returning to Juneau, Gary joined the State of Alaska, and they continued to fish commercially during the summer months. Once their children were grown, Dora and Gary gillnetted salmon together and later began traveling across the United States.
Their travels inspired them to open a gift shop in downtown Juneau, which they later sold before purchasing another shop in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Eventually, they made their home in Port Angeles, Washington, where they operated a collection business before retiring. Dora and Gary enjoyed their retirement years, traveling to visit their grandchildren and great-grandchildren and making trips to Alaska to visit family.
Dora was preceded in death by her parents, Karl Mukpik and Clara Snyder; her siblings Helen Kaleak (Allen), Sharmaine Edwardsen (Edward), Harris Mukpik (Judy), Theodore Mukpik (Leona), and Karl Mukpik Jr.; and her first husband, Eli Derenoff.
She is survived by her loving husband, Gary Schaefer; her children Patricia Phillips (James) of Pelican; Eli Derenoff (Jill ) of Juneau); Margie Derenoff of Port Angeles; Sheri Paddock (Joseph-deceased) of Juneau; Jerry Schaefer; and Dennis Schaefer.
Also surviving are 18 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, who continue to honor her legacy of love, strength, and perseverance.
Dora will be remembered for her devotion to her family and her resilience in the face of life challenges. Her life stands as a lasting testament to love, endurance, and the powerful bonds that unite generations.
