Cantwell Ahtna Elder Jane Nicholas (Tansy) 1932-2023

Jane Nicholas

June 10, 1932 - December 28, 2023 

Jane Nicholas (Tansy), 91, of Cantwell (Yidateni Na'), Alaska, passed away on Dec. 28, 2023. She passed away peacefully, in her bed, in a home that she loved, while surrounded by family who cared for her dearly. She was a tough and a kind woman; she was creative, she was an artist, she had an amazing sense of humor, she was a force to be reckoned with.

Jane was born in Valdez Creek (C'ilaan Na'), Alaska, on June 10, 1932. She was one of seven siblings of the late Lilly and Jake Tansy. She spent her childhood growing up in Valdez Creek (C'ilaan Na') and Brushkana (Bas Ce'e Na'), and eventually the Village of Cantwell (Yidateni Na'). After completing Mount Edgecumbe nursing school in Sitka (Sheet'ka), she worked for ANS, the Tanana hospital, and the Glenallen hospital as a dedicated nurse. In addition to her career as a nurse, she also worked in the Cantwell school and on the railroad.

Jane is survived by her children, Gary, Arlene and Carol, as well as many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, cousins, nieces, nephews and many grand-dogs. Jane and Greg were the perfect couple; they loved each other through the test of time and I know in my heart that they are now reunited in heaven. She will be missed.

Service will be held at the Cantwell Native Village Hall at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 6, 2023, with a potluck to follow.