Obituaries

Rhoda Isikwha Boolowon February 18, 1943 ~ Feb. 18, 2022

Rhoda Isikwha Boolowon, age 79, of Gambell, Alaska, passed away on February 18, 2022 with her loved ones by her side. Rhoda was born February 18, 1943 to Ina Waalla and Harold Tiiwri Koonooka.

Rhoda attended Alekanik School to the eighth grade. She returned home to Gambell and met Bruce Ekaaya Boolowon. They married in 1960, and recently celebrated their 61st wedding anniversary on November 26, 2021. Together they raised eight children: Elden, Seymour, Shannon, Shawn, Rhona, Rena, Reva and Mary.

Rhoda was a homemaker. She was a talented cook and baker. She also sewed parkas and clothes for her children and many loved ones. She often cooked what was caught and gathered from the island. She baked birthday and wedding cakes for family and friends. Rhoda was a Tupperware Consultant, a cook for the Elder Nutrition Program and the Sivuqaq Deli.

Rhoda had the biggest heart. She was everyone’s Mom. She made special gifts to everyone she loved whether it be a birthday or a holiday. She almost never forgot anyone. Her family was her center.

Rhoda was survived by her husband Bruce, children Seymour, Rhona, Reva, Mary, and Rocky; siblings Merlin, Job, Betsy, Dorene, Alwayne; grandchildren Susie, Brandon, Debbie, Uki, Herby, Gurl, Ale, Lonny, Kalynna, Emery, Joe, Elden, Mya, Angu, Anaan, Hilary, Josie, Don; great-grandchildren Aghpuuk, Layla, Sadie, Sonny, Elden, Rhoda, Jack, Brandi, Ipi, Ryder, Anipa, Logan and Roya.

She is preceded in death by her parents Harold, Ina, and Ilene, brothers Gerard and Ben, sisters Ila, Judy, Marjorie, Donna, and Rachel. Children, grandchildren and great grandchildren Elden, Rena, Rowena, Shannon B, Bobby, Shannon A., Elizabeth and Emmett.

Thank you to all who brought food over, visited with us, NSHC, Gambell health aides, IRA, City of Gambell, donations, and especially those who cared for her in her last days Dexter, Tekep, and Dawny, those who made the coffin and cross. Rhoda will be missed.