Obituaries
Frances Sarah Katongan July 31, 1966 – January 12, 2024
Frances Sarah Katongan was born to David Sr. and Millie Katongan on July 31, 1966, in Unalakleet, Alaska. Gooxie passed unexpectedly on January 12, 2024, in Anchorage, Alaska.
When she was born, Grandma and Grandpa named her after her uncle Francis “Doc” and Auntie Elsie gave her her Inupiaq name “Kunugliin” (koo-noog-leen) and middle name Sarah after her mom.
“Gooxie” attended grade school in Nome and Unalakleet and graduated from Covenant High School in 1984.
After graduating, she moved to Anchorage and lived with Gene Sambo and together they had three children: Frank, Tamara, and Madellyn.
Gooxie made friends wherever she went. She never forgot who you were and if she met you once she knew you forever. Growing up, Gooxie liked to be at Grandma Hannah and Grandpa Pete’s, when they were going in the boat, she made sure she was there to follow. Her mom taught her how to cut fish (learning with white fish) and put food away beginning at a very young age. Gooxie was always very tidy, everything had to be spotless, growing up she even ironed her jeans.
No matter if times got tough for her, she always wore a smile.
Gooxie was in her own world, but there’s one thing she had close to her heart and that was FAMILY. Every time people ran into her, she always told them “I Love You”.
Frances “Gooxie” is survived by her loving mother Mildred Katongan, sisters Loretta (Brian) Johnson, Laverne Katongan, Beverly (Chris) Masters, Teada Katongan and Galen Doty. Brothers: David Sonny Katongan Jr., Darrell Pete. Aunties and
uncles: Lillian Katongan, Adeline and Charlie Hopson, Ada (Eugene) Herrmann, Thelma Evan, Chuck Evan, Vaughn Johnson, Sergei Ivanoff, Paul Fred Ivanoff, Irene Takak, Bill Koutchak. Gooxie also is survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews too many to name.
Frances “Gooxie” is preceded in death by her dad David Katongan Sr., Merlin Anahonak, brother Dewayne Katongan, nephew Dane (whom she loved so dearly); uncle Glenn Katongan, aunt Rita Johnson, Donna Koutchak.
We will always cherish the memories we had with our precious daughter, sister, auntie, cousin and friend.
Peace to “Gooxie’s” memory.