Virginia Carol “Buttons” Witham, a Southeast Alaska fisherman for much of her life, died March 20, 2016, at her home in Kake. She was 44.
Virginia Carol “Buttons” Witham
Virginia was born Sept. 30, 1971, in Petersburg. She was raised in Port Alexander, on the southeastern side of Baranof Island. She attended grade school in PA, then moved to Sitka to attend high school. She graduated from Sitka High with the class of 1989.
In 1995, she moved to American Samoa, and lived there for two years. She worked as a manager at the Pago Pago Yacht Club. She was on a Native longboat rowing team, and held the position of captain. Although she is Tlingit and Black Irish, she was said to look like a “beautiful Samoan,” and that she was “very petite, very strong” – everyone wanted her on their team.
After her time in American Samoa, Virginia returned to Southeast Alaska. She fished all over Southeast, and was happiest when on the water.
She longlined, trolled and seined, and also loved hunting. She grew up fishing and hunting, and it made her happy to put food on the table of both her family and friends.
She also tended bar in Sitka at the Pioneer Bar and Ernie’s.
In 2011, she moved to Kake to be by her mom and sister.
She is survived by her mother, Theodora “Chuckie” Witham of Kake; her father, Richard “Dick” Witham of Sitka; sisters Mirabel (Steve Kort) Davis of Port Alexander, Bea (Norman) Pillen of Washington and Carrie Witham of Kake.
She also is survived by her children, sons Wesley Stewart and Fisher Stewart, and daughters Jessica Stewart and Karlee Stewart, all of Kake; and many uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews and cousins.
A memorial potluck will be held 2 p.m. April 10, at the Halibut Point Recreation Area. Her mother has asked that in honor of Virginia everyone wear Green Bay Packer colors, as she was very big fan of the team.
Those with questions about the memorial or wanting to help may call Shana Colburn at (808) 319-1141.
