Edna Nutaasaq Ahnangnatoguk
Edna Nutaasaq Ahnangnatoguk was born on March 10, 1928, in Iglu, Alaska. Her parents, James Eyuk and Eva Topkaruk Eyuk, were at the heart of her upbringing alongside her siblings. Edna joined older siblings May Mesuk Eyuk, David A. Eyuk, and Annie K. Eyuk and later welcomed younger siblings Agnes Noyakuk and Clara Veara.
Growing up in Iglu, Edna attended school up to the sixth grade. She often fondly recalled her experiences with Helen Frost, a dedicated missionary who played a pivotal role in the community as a teacher and healthcare provider.
Edna possessed a talent for sewing and produced many warm garments for her family using various animal pelts and home-tanned animal skins. Her skills extended to working as a nurse’s aide and later as a dorm aid at the William E. Beltz High School, where she warmed the lives of students who attended the boarding school.
Edna’s path crossed with Frank Ahnangnatoguk where they married on November 27, 1950. Together, they were blessed with four children: James Ahnangnatoguk, Alma Smithhisler, Ronald Ahnangnatoguk and Florence McComas.
Edna cherished her role as a grandmother and great-grandmother, earning the endearing nickname “Gaga” from her oldest grandson, John. Gaga was proud of her family and their accomplishments, and always looked forward to spending time with them.
Passionate about preserving their faith and heritage, Papa Frank and Gaga instilled the values of a subsistence lifestyle in their descendants, emphasizing self-sufficiency and connection to the land and sea. Gaga found solace and joy at camp in Tuksruk and Iglu, surrounded by nature and family.
Gaga’s legacy lives on through her children Alma Smithhisler, Ronald (Sarah) Ahnangnatoguk, son-in-law Albert McComas, and her “other son” Donnie Smith; her grandchildren John Ahnangnatoguk, Gail Smithhisler, Thomas (Jasmine) McComas, Joshua McComas, Donny Ahnangnatoguk, Steven “Puttu” Ahnangnatoguk, and Allen Ahnangnatoguk; her great-grandchildren, Frank Ahnangnatoguk, Nutaasaq Ahnangnatoguk, Piniaq Ahnangnatoguk, Strom Ahnangnatoguk, Aubriana Otton, Taylor Ahnangnatoguk, Rosalie Ahnangnatoguk, Ella Alston, Christian Ahnangnatoguk, Judah McComas and Elias McComas.
Gaga’s journey was culminated in a Heavenly reunion with her husband Frank; son James; daughter Florence “Goong Goong”; her parents and siblings; son-in-law Donald Smithhisler, granddaughter Tracy Ahnangnatoguk; her uncles Keelick and Fred Mosquito; nieces Marcella Eyuk, Diane Baxter and Marilyn Noyakuk; nephews David Roy Eyuk, Dewey Baxter, Eric Baxter, and numerous other departed loved ones in a celestial embrace.
A funeral service was held Thursday, October 31, 2024 at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Nome. Burial took place right after the service in Nome, next to her husband Frank.