Irene Nadja (Gamble) Paul
Irene Nadja (Gamble) Paul, a lifelong Sitka resident, was promoted to glory on October 30, 2019, in Sitka. She was 88.
She was born April 10, 1931, in Angoon, the eldest of nine children of Johnnie and Nadja Gamble.
She married Patrick Paul Sr. on March 13, 1951. Their children were Patrick Paul Jr., Erick Paul, Lawrence Paul, George Paul, Patricia Puletau, Emma Beck, Roberta Gulledge, Franklin Paul, Joseph Younack Jr., Jean Arnold, and Alfred Paul.
She attended Mt. Edgecumbe and the University of Alaska Anchorage.
Not only was she a devoted mother, she worked more than 25 years as licensed practical nurse at Mt. Edgecumbe Hospital, where she blessed many with her knowledge and kindness.
Irene’s love of her Tlingit culture and language was manifested in many forms, including as a lifetime member of Alaska Native Brotherhood/Alaska Native Sisterhood, and networking with other like-minded elders to help develop a written dictionary of the Tlingit language.
Among her many joys were travelling, doing crafts, knitting, reading, game shows and church and family.
She also enjoyed sharing her extensive knowledge of the Tlingit language with anyone wanting to learn.
Being a grandmother was one of her biggest joys. Her grandchildren include Deidre Paul, Charles Paul, John Paul, Celeste Mendoza, Fusi Puletau, Shadrach Puletau, Patrick Beck, Dylan Paul, and Amber Paiuk, and she had numerous great-grandchildren.
Irene was preceded in death by her husband Patrick Paul Sr., children Patrick Paul Jr. and Emma Beck, and her great-grandchild Gabriel Lange.
A viewing open to the public will be held at Prewitt Funeral Home from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 8. Services are scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 9, at the ANB Founders Hall.
Her family thanked her caregivers and many friends at SEARHC. “Thank you for all the prayers and support from her friends and community,” the family said.
