Shirley Nadine Littlefield, a lifelong Sitkan, passed away at Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center on April 16, 2026, with her family by her side.
Shirley was born March 11, 1961, in Sitka to Katherine Mary Lott Hope and Fred Howard Hope. A Raven, she was a member of the Kwaashk’i Kwáan clan, Noow Hít (Fort House), of the Yakutat area. She attended all of her schooling in Sitka, including training as a nursing assistant at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital.
In 1979, Shirley met Patrick Littlefield. They married in 1981, and have one son, Loren. Pat and Shirley were together for 47 years. They lived and worked several years in Oregon and Washington. Upon returning to Sitka, she continued working in the health field for many years.
Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and numerous aunts and uncles, including those from the Hope family.
She is survived by her husband Pat Littlefield and son Loren Michael Littlefield of Sitka; brother Loren Hope (Priscilla Jorden) and their children, Carrie, Ruby, Jessica and Jason Hope, all of Juneau; uncles Ervin Lott and Patrick Lott of Juneau, and Heather Littlefield and Joseph Littlefield of South Dakota.
As Shirley wished, only a graveside service will be held: at 1 p.m. Friday, May 15, at Sitka National Cemetery. Father Herman Belt of St. Michael’s Cathedral will offer prayers for Shirley before she is put to rest.
