Longtime Chugiak resident Dolores Elizabeth Whaley died Thursday, March 6, 2008.
A small family memorial service was held Wednesday, March 12. Her children and grandchildren shared her life stories. She was buried in the Anchorage Memorial Park cemetery after a dedicatory prayer by longtime friend Darrel Smith.
A celebration of life will be held at the Chugiak Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the corner of Eagle River Road and Chandalar from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 29. Light refreshments will be served and memorabilia marking the occasions highlighting her life will be on display. Friends, associates and family are welcome. For more information or to send comments or memories of her life, e-mail mark_whaley@comcast.net.
Ms. Whaley was born in Bradford, Pa., to Fred Lawrence Eaton and Maria Marie Caussain Eaton on Sept. 13, 1927. She was the middle child of 13. The family moved to California, where she graduated from high school. She was involved in swim-ballet, chorus, orchestra and the drill team. She was an accomplished violinist and soloist soprano and performed on many private and civic occasions.
Ms. Whaley homesteaded in Chugiak and raised three of her four children there. She was a civic leader, participating in the Chugiak Benefit Association and organizing her church's first primary group in Chugiak.
"She was a gracious hostess and very service oriented. Her influence touched many lives in Chugiak and in the surrounding areas," her family said.
"Dolly, as she was known to many, was the founder and CEO of Missing Children of America Inc. based in Chugiak and was instrumental in reuniting many lost children with their parents and guardians. Her efforts earned her many awards which included commendations from the governor of Alaska, a service-oriented sorority, and national exposure in the Ladies Home Journal publication. Dolores enjoyed sewing, quilting, genealogy, painting and collecting photos of her family. Her talents were many, and she shared them with family and friends at every opportunity. She was in the process of moving to her new home with her eldest son in Ogden, Utah, when she left us."
Ms. Whaley was preceded in death by her parents; infant son, Paul; and all but four siblings, three sisters and one brother.
She is survived by her children, Mark of Ogden, Utah, Stephen of Wasilla and Rebecca of Soldotna; 22 grandchildren; and numerous great -grandchildren.
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