In the early morning hours of August 25, 2015, Edith Kiana Panigeo Rowray, age 91, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, in Helena, Montana.
Edith was born in Barrow, Alaska on July 27, 1924. Edith was the 3rd of 7 children born to Bert Panigeo and Nellie Tookotak Tagarook of Wainwright, Alaska.
Living in the Arctic tundra, Edith was raised with no modern conveniences. At an early age, she was taught how to subsistence hunt, gather seasonal Arctic tundra greens, harvest and preserve wildlife, which included sea creatures. She was a well revered seamstress, known for her hand sewn mukluks, parkas, pants, mittens, blankets, knitting and needlepoint. She passed these skills to many relatives and friends.
During her early years, Edith also became a skilled and compassionate nurse, caring for her sister and other relatives during the massive epidemic of TB that struck Alaska.
Edith was also a wonderful teacher, who translated hymns of the lord into the Inupiat language. She helped with translation of an Inupiat-to-English dictionary. She also tutored many people in both English and Inupiat, sharing her love of learning.
Edith’s baking and cooking skills were unparalleled. Family birthdays and holiday occasions were blessed with her caring talents. She relished baking handmade and ornate cookies, cakes, and candies. In her presence everyone was filled with wonderful food and the word of the Lord (Even the mailman could anticipate edible goodies left in the mailbox).
These are only the tip of the iceberg of Edith’s myriad skills and abilities. It was her strong belief in God and Jesus Christ that created her to be an amazing woman.
Edith married Rexford N. Rowray, who worked for the Navy in physical science field. He worked and travelled in the first nuclear submarine (USS Nautilus) that completed a transpolar crossing in 1957. They enjoyed over 55 years of marriage, raising 4 beautiful children; Evelyn, Mary Jane, Michael, and Notter; each of their children were and are amazingly creative and as intuitive as Edith. Edith and Rex also raised a granddaughter, Kiana Holihan, who continues in Edith’s strong love of education.
Edith was preceded in death by her parents, Burt and Nellie Panigeo; siblings Margaret, Napaatuq, Frances, Wyman, Evelyn and Harry Panigeo; Edith’s husband Rexford Rowray, son Michael (Sonny) and daughter Mary Jane Strack.
Edith is survived by her daughter, Evelyn Rubottom, son, Notter (Rexford) Rowray, daughter-in-law, Carmel (Jim) Guoin; grandchildren: Kiana Holihan, Joshua (Kerri ) Rubottom, Lisa (Victor) Marmo, Josselyn (Kevin) Zimmerman, Eben Rubottom, Kevin (Sharlene) Rowray, Jillian (Patrick) Stone, Dane Rowray and Greg Holihan. Great grandchildren include Trinity, Lillyana, Gavin, Lois, Nathan, and Dominique.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home on Saturday, September 12th, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.
Special thanks go to Hope Assisted Living; the Drs. and nursing staff of Samuel Simmonds Memorial Hospital, both in Barrow, AK; Rocky Mountain Hospice; Home Helpers of Montana; Elkhorn Health and Rehab (especially Tommi Sintis) and Community Bible fellowship.
Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Edith.
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 12, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday September 12, 2015
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
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curtis and claudia says
What a wonderful look, at a very accomplished woman….Thanks for sharing your memories with us…love, curtis and claudia
Evelyn Amikkak Tagarook Sidon says
The first time I ever heard of Auntie Edith was when she sought and called me to ask if she could stay with me on her way home to Barrow to visit. I didn’t know her from Adam until she explained our family tree. I gladly received her into our home. She walked into the living room and started saying “I have that too in my house”, this continued into the bathroom and kitchen. We had kindred spirits, my Auntie and I, that was broken when she passed. Fortunately, there is an eternal life after death, that is blessed hope to see her again someday. Hugs to the family, I love my Auntie more than anyone knows!
H Eubanks says
May fond memories of Edith bring you comfort during this hard time in your life. Look back on all the good memories you were able to have and smile at the fact that you were able to share these before she passed away. My hearts and prayers go out to you and your family. God has promised us that we will soon be reunited with our loved ones. “There is going to be a resurrection,” the Bible confirms at Acts 24:15. “Do not be amazed at this,” Jesus assures us, “for the hour is coming in which all those in the memorial tombs will hear his voice and come out.” (John 5:28, 29)