-- Published in The Alaska Dispatch News, 12/31/2016:

Mary Frances Charles (A'ta) was born in Napamute, Alaska, in a log cabin to Agnes Hoffman, Archluk Charles and Carl "Caribou" Archluk.

Due to health related complications, Mary Frances left our mother earth on Dec. 27, 2016.

Places that she lived due to her handicap issues were: Sitka, Bethel and finally, Anchorage, Alaska.

Mary Frances was a busy person regardless of her handicap. She was active in the Lions Club and Senior Center. Volunteering in schools to speak and help were her other interests.

Her passion was a creative artistic talent in creating recycled items into beautiful artwork, which reflected upon her favorite Christmas season. When Anchorage had the annual tree event, her displays of her artwork were placed on her tree for public viewing. Her hobbies were crocheting, knitting, sewing kuspuks and her beautiful beaded items.

Mary Frances was proud of her Native heritage and loved her Native cuisine.

She was preceded in death by her mom; dad; stepdad; and sister, Elizabeth Murphy.

Those who she left behind are: sisters, Delores Matter (Joe), Bertha Kristovich and Agnes Beans (Robert); brothers, William Charles and Thomas Charles (Phyllis); gift sis, Gerri Albertson, along with a double cousin; Lucy A. Brown (Sam); and many other relatives and friends too numerous to list.

Quyana to Prestiage Care and Alaska Native Medical Center for all the care they provided. The family appreciates prayers, support and comforting words.

In memory of Mary Frances Charles, contributions may be sent to: Anchorage Senior Center, 1300 East 19th Ave., Anchorage, AK 99501.

Memorial service for Mary Frances Charles will be at Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel, 737 E Street in Anchorage, on Saturday, Dec. 31, 2016, at 1 p.m. Sharing of food and stories will follow.

Arrangements are with Janssen's Evergreen Memorial Chapel.