Signe Wilson (Xa Soos Du Klaa, Kaagwaantaan), beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, auntie and friend, walked into the forest on Monday, April 18, 2016.
Signe Wilson
She was born on Nov. 6, 1936, in Bonners Ferry, Idaho, to Robert and Tessie Goodbrand. She lived with her folks and sister on “The 80” farm until her graduation from high school. Shortly thereafter she married Kent Adams and had three children.
In 1959 the family moved to Sitka where her love of adventure lead her to live on multiple islands in Sitka Sound before settling on Berry Island, where she made a home out of an old fox farm house and home-schooled her children. Her creativity blossomed as she worked on that old house and made driftwood furniture still in use today.
In 1967 she married the love of her life, Al Wilson, and as a family they enjoyed the adventures of commercial troll fishing aboard the 40’ S/V Eileen O’Farrell, through 1969. She loved the sea, was a fearless sailor, an enthusiastic beachcomber which sometimes interfered with fishing, particularly when the decks got loaded with glass balls and other treasures instead of fish! Beachcombing was a lifetime passion.
Signe was honored when Herman Kitka adopted her into the Sitka Kaagwaantaan Clan and gave her his mother’s sister’s name. She enjoyed her Lingit family and culture.
She worked at Sitka Cold Storage in Sitka, in Juneau for the Alaska Division of Tourism, and retired as administrative assistant at the Sitka Pioneer Home. Her and Al’s retirement was filled with many boat trips aboard their 43’ S/V Tsarina, exploring Southeast, beachcombing, hunting and gathering, often accompanied by family members and special friends. Favorite stops included crabbing in Tenakee Springs and winter hunting anchored in Gods Pocket on West Chichagof.
They also cared for their grandchildren at “Berry Island Day Care,” sharing their love of nature with them.
She enjoyed gardening, and the Berry Island flowers were one of her priorities. Along with that she enjoyed the challenges of “living off the land” growing garden vegetables, making berry jam, pickling kelp, identifying and gathering wild mushrooms, fishing, hunting, and then processing everything, while teaching the family the processes.
Signe’s artistic ability continued to grow and she was exceptional at drawing, painting, stained glass, wood and soapstone carving. She also enjoyed copper repousse’ and shared her love of art by teaching it to her grandchildren’s fifth grade classes, and painted the first winter backdrop for the Sitka Nutcracker. She also greatly enjoyed hosting gatherings at Berry Island for the Sitka Fine Arts Camp faculty.
Her love of holidays, traditions and gourmet cooking was evident to family and friends. A meal or party at her island or home was always full of fun, laughter and superb food. Signe’s vibrant and colorful personality, generosity and love of life, friends and family will be missed by all who knew her. “She lives on in our hearts!”
Signe is survived by Al Wilson, her loving husband of 48 years; daughters, Kim Elliot (Chris Brewton), Klaudia Leccese (Michael), son, Kent Adams (Nancy Kniivila); grandchildren Talena Adams, Ryan Kitka (Tanya), Shawnee Owens (Ramen), Skye Workman (Ian), Kai Elliot Delacy and Misty Leccese; great-grandchildren, Chelsea, Nikki and Naomi Agcalon; Adriana Catterson, Melody and Thomas Kitka; Jayden and Jesslyn Workman; and great-great-grandchildren Talan and Alena; niece Sandra Baldwin Doyle (Denny) of Idaho; sister Gwendolyn Morice; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews of Canada. Signe loved participating in her family reunions which alternated between Canada and the U.S.
In respect for Signe’s wishes, no formal services will be held.
