The life of longtime Sitkan Aleeta Bauder will be celebrated 5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 9, at Halibut Point Recreation Area's large shelter.
Aleeta's family said it would be appreciated if those attending bring stories about her life to share. Dishes to serve also would be welcome.
Aleeta died June 19 at the Pioneers Home, where she had resided since April 2024.
To her two sons Aleeta was Mom, "but to many others she was teacher, coach, healer, mentor and friend," they said.
Aleeta Wright was born May 17, 1945, in Tacoma, Washington. She graduated from Washington State University then went on to earn a master's in physical education. After coming to Sitka in 1973, she became a P.E. teacher and coach, active in school sports and coaching volleyball, track and field, and basketball. She also took part in City League sports, and was a pitcher in softball.
She also was active in community service. She was a founder of Faith in Action and then helped form Brave Heart Volunteers, a non-profit that provides home-based care giving and respite services for those with chronic or terminal illnesses. She was in the group's first volunteer training session in January 2003, and later served on the board.
She retired from teaching in 1993 after 20 years, and started her own business, Alternative Healing.
Aleeta was preceded in death by a grandson, Dakota Bauder, who died in 2021. She is survived by her sons: Brock Bauder of Sitka and his daughter Helaina Bauder of Seattle; and Beau Bauder, wife Marni and son Kael, all of Sitka.
