The Towarak Family has lost a beloved family member, Clarabelle. We will miss her attending our celebrations at our home. Mike and I would see her often at the baseball games here in Anchorage since Mike is also a baseball fan. We would talk to her and she spoke to us in her soft-spoken voice telling us about what had been going on her life. My memories of her when I was younger are weak, but I do remember when she had the means to give gifts, she would give me that silver box from Nordstroms every time. I would always be awed at the beautiful thoughtful gifts. We hugged every time we saw each other. We cried when she went thru difficult times and we sure did laugh when we were together. One time she came over to our other house when Cindy was in town and we visited downstairs. We laughed and laughed and laughed....telling stories from the past and the most recent adventures. The last time that I saw her was in August 2008, her and I arrived at the ANMC Hospital at the same time to visit our new addition to the Towarak Family, Ayuu (Tera and Matt's baby). She sat quietly next to Tera's bed, listened to our conversation and eventually held Ayuu in her arms. She was so content and happy to see Ayuu. I'll never forget her and I am thankful for having a wonderful Aunt in my life. She was articulate, beautiful, smart and thoughtful.

Love and miss you Aunt Clarabelle!!

Obituary from the Anchorage Daily News: Clarabelle Towarak Nance, 51, died Jan. 19, 2009, at Alaska Native Medical Center. A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. today (January 22) at the First Covenant Church of Anchorage. Honorary pallbearers will include her brothers, Clarence Jr., Tim, Sam, Ike and Dennis Towarak; and friend, David Parker. Clarabelle "Gungoo" Nance was born Nov. 24, 1957, in Unalakleet to Clarence and Guerie Towarak. Her Inupiaq name is "Panigruaq." She graduated from Covenant High School in 1975. She was active in student council, basketball and cheerleading and was crowned tournament queen her senior year. As a classmate she was a friend to all. She furthered her education at North Park College in Chicago and at the University of Alaska Anchorage. She married Louis Nance on Jan. 21, 1984 in Unalakleet. She was employed by Cook Inlet Tribal Council as a payroll accounting technician. "As a dedicated fan, Clarabelle enjoyed watching her sons play basketball and baseball at East High School," her family wrote. "She was overjoyed to receive flowers from her beloved "Sista Gal," Marisa Nance." Clarabelle excelled in caring for her family. She was a hard worker and always had a good job. Her bright smile and hug brought warmth to not only her children, family and friends but also to her co-workers. Many received notes of kindness and love which exemplified her generous personality. Life will be quieter without her laughter. Peace to her memory." She is survived by her daughter, Marisa Nance; her sons, James and Clarence Nance and Louis Nance IV; and husband Louis Nance III of Anchorage; mother Guerie Towarak; siblings and their spouses, Clarence and Linda, Tim and Rose, Sam and Nita, Ike and Dennis Towarak, all of Unalakleet; Isabelle and Chester Millett of Anchorage, Annabelle and Dave Cunningham, Willa and Gary Eckenweiler of Unalakleet, and Cindy and Tom Massie of Temecula, Calif.; sisters-in-law, Marlene Towarak of Unalakleet and Ivy 'Jewell' Parchman of Indiana; numerous nephews, nieces, friends and family. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Rachelle Lynne Nance; father, Clarence Towarak Sr.; brothers, Ambrose and Matthew Towarak; sister-in-law, Shirlee Towarak; nephew, Gabe Towarak; father- and mother-in-law, Louis Owen and Lydia Savok Nance; and brother-in-law, James Nance.