Juanita Lewis Pelagalli
January 17, 1912 - February 22, 2006
Obituary
Juanita Lewis PELAGALLI
Born in Wrangell Alaska, January 17, 1912, the daughter of David and Lillian Lewis. Juanita was a person of the earth and sky, for she enjoyed gardening and astrology. She was always prepared to offer you some sun tea or dried fruits. An Alaska Native, she would often deny that heritage because of prejudices she experienced during her childhood. She held a lifetime membership as a University of Washington Alumnus and traveled extensively, primarily with fellow members of the UW Alumni travel groups. Juanita was a proud charter and life member of the Republican National Committee. She maintained an active and healthy life style into her 90’s, with a routine of meditation, yoga, and regular walks around Green Lake. As a member of the ITU, she signed on at the Seattle Times after WWII, and remained to retirement. Hobbies included tailoring clothes and dealing in real estate. She outlived four husbands, a sister and four brothers. Although Juanita had no children, she maintained a close relationship with stepdaughter Helen Congleton, and was much loved by her seven surviving nieces and nephews and their children. Juanita’s recent years were spent in loving care at Good Choice; an adult family home. Juanita passed with grace and dignity at 94 years February 22, 2006. There will be a brief graveside service, at noon Tuesday Feb. 28, in the Chapel of Memories at Washington Memorial Park, 16445 International Blvd., SeaTac followed by a small family reception. Remembrances may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. Please sign the online guest memorial book at www.bonneywatson.com.
We just recently learned of Nita’s passing and wish to extend our sincere condolences to her family and friends. A few years back she attended a convention in Wrangell and by chance had rented our guest cottage. She had been a friend of my mothers years ago and had brought along old photos to share with us since she had recognized my name. We enjoyed reliving old memories. Our sincerest sympathies.
I was so sorry to hear of Nita’s passing. My condolences to her family members.
It has been many years since I have seen Juanita. Lost track of her. Her mother, Lillian, was my mother’s Elizabeth sister.
I did not know Juanita, but I hope that some of the family members feel inclied to share stories of her. I write a monthly historical newsletter for the Friends of the Wrangell Museum and like to include stories and biographies. Would this be a fitting memorial to a woman who obviously loved life to the fullest? And whose ancestors were a part of what makes Wrangell what it is today. wrghistory@hotmail.com
The world was a better place because she was in it. I will forever be grateful for knowing and loving her.
Aunt Nita will be missed dearly. She was one of a kind and her own person. I learned a lot from her and I will always carry her in my heart. Happy trails to you Aunt Nita. love you
SPECIAL THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU AT THIS TIME OF SORROW.
I REMEMBER NITA MY SISTER IN-LAW AS I WAS MARRIED TO KENNETH {lINK}LEWIS} HER BROTHER. AUNTIE NITA AND I SHARED MANY HAPPY MEMORIES TOGETHER TALKING AND EATING OUT WHEN EVER I WAS VISTING HER AND HELEN THERE IN SEATTLE,SHE ALWAYS HAD A NICE CUP OF TEA AND A TREAT WHEN WE ALL CAME FROM ANCHORAGE. SHE ALWAYS READ OUR FORTUNE IN CARDS AND TEA LEAVES WHAT FUN WE ALL HAD.
LOVE AND PRAYERS
HER SISTER-INLAW TIMY AND NEPHEW WILLIAM H. LEWIS. AND THE REST OF THE CLAN. KENNETH.LILLIAN,BOBBIE ANN, AND TERESA LEWIS BYE TO A WONDERFUL PRECIOUS LADY AUNTIE JUANITA !!!!!! WE LOVE YOU FOREVER
I had the privilege of knowing her. she married my my grandfather Fred pelaglli I didn’t really understand as a child just eligible that woman was but periodically as the years went by I would stop and visit and kind of Reminisce a little bit about my childhood in Seattle she always welcomed us with open arms and always wanted to make sure we were doing good it would be nice to be able to sit down and have a talk with her now that I’m older I’m sure she could have taught me a lot Helen if you ever read this it would be nice for you to contact me through email it would be nice to say hi