With heavy hearts, her family announces the passing of Martina Nellie Maria Dundas, lovingly known as Tina, who left us peacefully in her sleep on February 26, 2025.
Tina was born on May 15, 1976, at SEARHC Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital to Martin Sr. and Lisa Mae Dundas. She was raised in Metlakatla and graduated from Metlakatla High School. A talented musician, she played multiple instruments and sang in the choir. She was also an athlete and a student of renowned Tsimshian carver Jack Hudson, embracing the rich artistic traditions of her heritage.
Born into a family of Tlingit and Tsimshian artists, Tina had a natural gift for Northwest Coast formline art. She mastered various artistic media, from intricate jewelry designs in precious metals to commissioned artwork cherished by many.
A free spirit at heart, Tina traveled across the United States, embracing new places, new people, and new adventures. Her journey built a vast network of friendships, and she left lasting impressions wherever she went.
Tina was most recently known for her time at Sitka McDonald’s, where she ran the drive-thru lane with humor and efficiency, bringing laughter to her work family and customers alike. She took pride in feeding people and brightening their days with her quick wit and signature sass. Opinionated, outspoken, and endlessly deep, Tina had a magnetic presence—whether through her humor, her words, or her artistic talents.
She found joy in cooking for the people she loved, believing that food brought people together. If you saw her around town, she was likely with her beloved service animal, Sela, never far from her side. She could often be found at a pool table, lining up the perfect shot, or belting out Welcome to the Jungle and Selena Quintanilla songs on karaoke nights—living life in full color.
Tina had a deep love for dogs, always offering a helping hand with her fur nephew, Roscoe Dundas, and her daughter’s puppy, Nymee Dundas. She had a special bond with animals, providing love and care to the dogs in her life, treating them as part of the family.
Above all, Tina was incredibly proud of her children, K’eet Jerome and Skye (formerly known as Bunny). She loved watching them grow into talented, kind-hearted individuals—both excelling in wrestling, duolingo language learning, volunteering, and the arts, following in the creative footsteps of their family. More than anything, she was proud of the good humans they were becoming, carrying her strength, humor, and love for life forward.
Tina was a member of the Sitka Moose Lodge, American Legion, Alaska Native Sisterhood, and Sitka Pool League.
She was welcomed into the next life by her grandparents, Phillip and Betty Lauth and James Sr. and Pauline Dundas; her great-grandparents, Fannie and Wilfred Haldane and Lila and Ted Kirkman; her goddaughter, Sevai; and her beloved service animals, Yidz and Roly.
She is survived by her children, 24-year-old Keet Dundas of Sitka and 12-year-old Skye (formerly known as Bunny) Dundas of Petersburg; her parents, Martin Sr. and Lisa Dundas of Sitka; and her siblings: Marty Dundas and his wife Katie Thomas (Peoria, Illinois) and their children Makia (Juneau), Drew (Minnesota), Troy, Kyler, and Kristina (Illinois); Phillip Dundas and his wife Kira Booth (Sitka); Reba Dundas (Petersburg); and her baby brother, Albert Dundas (Sitka/Petersburg).
She also leaves behind her faithful service dog, Sela, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family from both sides
The Dundas family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to SEARHC, Dr. Jonathon Motts, Dr. Kimberley Bakkes, Dr. Drew Thompson, the Sitka Long-Term Care staff, Sitka First Responders, SAFV Shelter, and the Sitka’s Homeless Coalition for the care and support they provided to Tina.
A celebration of her life in Sitka will be announced at a later date, allowing time for family and friends to grieve and honor Tina's memory. Memorial contributions may be made to her daughter through her legal guardian Reba Dundas, P.O. Box 711 Petersburg, AK 99833.
Tina’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
