Katie Miyasato, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, cousin and friend to many throughout Alaska, passed away peacefully on April 23, 2026, in Sitka, surrounded by family.
Katie was born in Kwigillingok (Kuigilnguq) on October 10, 1937, to Charlie and Elizabeth David. Her Yupik name is Qussauy’aq. She was the eldest child of 14 siblings.
Katie met her husband, Chester Miyasato Sr., in Kwigillingok. They moved to Sitka in 1956 and had six children. Katie worked at the Mt. Edgecumbe High School for more than 40 years as a dedicated dorm aide, showing care and love for thousands of young, Alaska Native students.
Katie and Chester Sr. served as Senior Soldiers in the Salvation Army church for many years. She played beautiful hymns on the organ at church and at home. Yupik was Katie’s first language and she loved singing gospel songs and speaking her Native language with MEHS students. Katie was adopted by Margaret Abbott to the Dakl’aweidi clan Eagle Killer Whale and given the name Antoo.aat.
Katie was well known in Sitka for her bread baking, crocheting and knitting projects that she would sell at local bazaars. Many neighborhood kids remember lining up to get a taste of her famous bread. She loved watching all sports, but basketball was her favorite! MEHS dedicated a seat at the gymnasium to Katie.
Katie is now reunited with her beloved husband Chester Sr. and son Richard. Her parents Charlie and Elizabeth, brothers Kenneth, Eddie, Charlie Jr., and infant twin brothers also preceded her in death.
Katie is survived by her children Chester Jr. (Sue), Nick Sr., Liz (Ole), Ben, and Chuck; her siblings, sisters Carrie (Peter Sr.), Sadie, Elmie, Rhonda and brothers George (Julia), Nick (Maggie), Joshua (Verna), and Oscar.
Also surviving are grandchildren Randy, Chris, Mike M., Mike D., Amber, Chentell, David, Nicholas Jr., Nikayo, and Kenneth; great-grandchildren Michael, Alyssa, Eve, Leon, Paisley, and Dougan; sister-in-law Harriet Miyasato Beleal; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
“We’re grateful to the medical staff at the Sitka SEARHC hospital that cared for her, Sitka Pioneers Home administration, nurses, CNA’s, and staff, Alaska Native Sisterhood/Alaska Native Brotherhood, the Salvation Army, Dean of Outer Coast College and students, and the many family and friends who would call her daily or visit and for all the donations of food and money, her family said.
Services for Katie will be 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 28, at the ANB Founders Hall with a reception to follow at 5:30 p.m.
For those not able to attend, the Zoom link is https://us06web.zoom.us/j/88248773999. The meeting ID is 882 4877 3999.
An interment will follow on April 29 at Sitka National Cemetery, TBD.
Cards coming from out of town can be sent to Liz Miyasato; P.O. Box 210293; Auke Bay, AK 99821.
