Judith "Judie" Lee Kotongan

July 6th, 1946 - February 28th, 2026

Memorial

Mementos

Judie (Judith Lee) Kotongan, age 79, passed away peacefully on February 28th, 2026, with her kids PK and Sissy by her side.

Judie was born July 6th, 1946, in Coronado Island, California to Grace and Clarence O’Brien. She learned to bake in her high school years, having bake sales for the navy personnel that lived on Coronado Island. When she was 18, she and her friend Deann got into her car and drove off to move to Chicago. After applying to job after job without success, she moved to River Falls, Wisconsin and enrolled into the University.

She and her friends went on many adventures to music festivals in her van. They helped startup a glass blowing studio in the basement of the art building. After an outdoor sportsman show, some of her friends were hired on to learn how to build a log lodge in Alaska. The cook of the team that was building the lodge left midwinter and the guys said, we know someone who will come up and cook. Judie moved up to Alaska in the winter of 1977. She learned to mush dogs to get back and forth from the lodge upriver to town. She always said, “You know, I picked a beautiful middle of nowhere to end up in.”

Judie loved doing craftwork, especially beadwork, and enjoyed sharing her art with her friends and family. She was an active member of the Unalakleet Sewing Circle for years and enjoyed helping at the recording table during the auction. Her mother-in-law Hazel taught her how to skin sew for her family. She started making cakes for her kids, which grew into a business that provided “Judie cakes” for the community's birthday and events.

Judie is survived by her son Patrick Kotongan (Beverly Immingan), daughter Victoria Kotongan, her grandchildren; Genesis, Kollin, and AvaKate, her best friend Marty Osredker, and many other family members and friends she considered family.

Judie was preceded in death by her parents Grace and Clarence O’Brien, brother Patrick O’Brien, former husband Victor Kotongan, and daughter Lucy Kotongan.

Judie did not wish to have a service and instead hopes her friends and family with continue to share stories and time with each other.

Tributes

Share a favorite memory, send condolences, and honor Judith’s life with a heartfelt message.

Wilma Straatman

Thankful for meeting Judy in Ecuador which turned into a long distance friendship. I remember visiting her and Marty Osredker in Anchorage and attending a tiny local theater presentation of Mitch Albom's book. Tuesdays with Morrie. We enjoyed it immensely. We didn't see each other often after that but Facebook was a great way to keep in touch with her. I treasure a piece of beadwork she made for me. She was a true artist. A gentle woman, kind and generous and made the world a better place. Her family was blessed tohave her as one of them. Deepest sympathy to her children, grandchildren, friends and all who loved and knew her. Peace.

Published May 27th, 2026

Monica L Dickens

I was saddened when I heard about Judie 's passing. I know what a creative and interesting lady she was. I was fascinated by her beadwork and cake decorating. Your loss is great, and I wish I knew the words to ease your sorrow. I know that her family and friends miss her every day, and she will forever be in our hearts. We will meet again and share in everlasting joy and peace. She will rise again.

Published May 17th, 2026