On September 26, 2024, Mary Alice (Demientieff) Nerby passed away peacefully in her sleep at the age of 96. Alice was born in Holy Cross, on April 5th 1928 to Eluska and Frances Demientieff. When Alice was 18, she moved to Bethel, which was where she met John Nerby, her husband of 64 years. Together, John and Alice raised five children, as well as having a significant role in the lives of their grandchildren.

Alice was a talented, brave, and adventurous woman who was good at nearly anything considered art. She was known for her Athabascan beadwork, root baskets, skin and fur sewing, crocheting, and knitting. Alice was a beautiful singer with a voice that her children still affectionately recall hearing. Alice was an excellent baker that often greeted her children and visitors with the smell of her fresh baked goods. Alice spent as much time in her garden tending to her flowers as she could. She could get her beautiful colorful flowers to grow in any weather condition.

Aside from her artistic talents, Alice had a wonderful laugh and found humor in everything. She appreciated a good story, as well as being a good storyteller. She loved to travel, hunt and fish. And of course, B.I.N.G.O. As we all know Alice loved Bingo.

Alice was preceded in death by her parents, Eluska and Frances, husband John O. Nerby Sr., son John O. Nerby, Ir., and her grandson Justin J. Crow Sr.

She is survived by her daughters, Peggy (Jim) Crow, and Sandra Abdiu, and her sons, Mike (Laurita) Nerby and Bruce (Kristie) Nerby, as well as her many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren.

Alice will be missed by so many people for so many things, but she will really be missed for her laugh, storytelling and beautiful artwork.

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