Family and friends of Ellen Rada of Fairbanks and Chief Issac Juneby of Eagle Village are this week saying formal goodbyes to the sister who was murdered, and the brother killed in a car crash while in Anchorage tending to Rada's final needs as she lay dying in the hospital.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner has a nice article describing a memorial held Monday in Fairbanks for the siblings. Attended by hundreds and led by a handful of Episcopal priests, the gathering was an opportunity for people who knew Rada and Juneby to celebrate their contributions to family and community. Both were remembered for their generous natures. Rada was well respected as a skilled bead artist and skin sewer. Juneby was remembered for his tireless commitment to his Native culture.
Rada was injured June 28 during a severe beating. By the time she was transported to Anchorage for medical care, she was on life support and there was little doctors or nurses could do. This week, 57-year-old Rick Allen was arrested and charged in connection with her death.
A funeral and potlatch for Rada and Juneby will be held Wednesday in their home community of Eagle, a Yukon-River village close to the Canadian border.