Genevieve Dane “Alunganaq” Paniptchuk
Genevieve Dane “Alunganaq” Paniptchuk was born on March 29, 1955 to Fred and Laura (Anagick) Paniptchuk in Unalakleet, Alaska. Better known as Gena, she attended school in Unalakleet until the 8th grade, she then attended high school in Anchorage, Alaska at Dimond High School.
Gena grew up with a large family, including many relatives and friends. Her personality was unique and grew on everybody that she knew. Gena grew up living the traditional Inupiaq lifestyle, spending summers at camp. Gena enjoyed cutting and putting away fish, putting away traditional foods and picking berries.
Gena always had an attachment to the city of Anchorage, where she considered it her second home. Having attending high school in Anchorage she made many friends of all kinds. Gena gave birth to her eldest daughter in 1973 and moved back to Unalakleet to raise her daughter among her family and friends. Later, she gave birth to another daughter and a son. During her adult years Gena played city league basketball, playing the guard position and enjoyed traveling to village tournaments. Gena also enjoyed playing softball during the summer months. Gena was a loud and passionate fan and team player.
Gena held many jobs during her years in Unalakleet, including working for the Unalakleet Native Corporation, Brown’s Lodge, at Unalakleet Head Start as a teacher’s aide and cook, firefighter, and for the Bering Strait School District. Gena was a generous woman; she volunteered much of her time to help with all kinds of community projects and events. Gena loved her family dearly and held a special place in her heart for each of them, especially her grandkids, she also loved her many nieces and nephews.
Gena spent the later part of her life in Anchorage where she met her “love” and partner of many years, Mark Haviner. Gena was well known and loved by the homeless community. Gena’s personality was like no other that she touched the lives of all the people and friends that she met and knew. Gena had such a unique and strong personality yet her personality was tender; she had quick wit and clever humor. Gena also attended The Covenant Church in Anchorage. Although she had some difficult times through life, she was able to find joy. Gena will be greatly missed by many. May she rest in peace.
Gena is survived by her mother Laura Paniptchuk, her siblings Helen Ivanoff and Arthur Paniptchuk, her children Teri Paniptchuk, DeAnn Dickens, her grandchildren Corwen Paniptchuk, Bernadette Quinn, Rani Paniptchuk, Brady Dickens, Emily Dickens, Jack Dickens and many nieces and nephews.
Gena is preceded in death by her partner Mark Haviner, her dad Fred Paniptchuk, her son Jeremy Paniptchuk, her siblings Paul Paniptchuk, Lena Ivanoff, Melvin Paniptchuk, Fred Paniptchuk Jr., and her nephew David Paniptchuk.
In memory any donations can be made to Brothers Francis Shelter and Beans Café.
