Elmenda R. “Manda” Johnson
A celebration of the life of Elmenda R. “Manda” Johnson was held 5-8:30 p.m. Thursday, June 18, upstairs at the Moose Lodge. The gathering was a potluck.
A service was scheduled at St. Michael’s Cathedral at 4 p.m. Thursday, June 18.
Manda passed away from natural causes on May 28, in Juneau. She was 45.
She was born Sept. 25, 1972, in Sitka, and lived here most of her life. Her Tlingit name was Kaaxkwei and she was of the Kaagwaantaan clan. She was the song caller, a drummer and a master beader.
She loved to make and share her salmon spread and fry bread – and, best of all, her banana cream pie.
She also loved to play softball.
She was a member of the American Legion and Moose Lodge, and St. Michael’s Cathedral.
Kaaxkwei is survived by her children, Naomi Miller of Sitka, Jay and Edward Miller of Juneau, and Michael Miller of Michigan; and three beautiful grandchildren, Alina, Mary and Spencer Miller.
She also is survived by her sisters, Isabell Sam of Anchorage, Tanya Ulrich of Juneau and Sharon Sam of Sitka, and her brother, Gilbert Sam Jr., of Juneau.
Her aunties are Cheryl A. Duncan and Josephine M. Johnson, Sitka; and her uncles are Henry K. Johnson and Jacob G. Johnson of Sitka, Joseph C. Johnson Jr. and Everett A. Johnson of Juneau, and Norman W. Johnson and Michael P. Johnson of Seattle.
Kaaxkwei was preceded in death by her mother, Audrey E. Johnson; grandparents Joseph C. and Agnes F. Johnson and Henry Sam Sr. and Kathy Mayberry; and cousins Harry C. Johnson, Alexandra I. Platt, Rachel Johnson and Blake Ricaporte.
Those needing more information may call Josephine at 738-0712.
