Maggie Oliver

Nov 23, 1942 -

Nov 22, 2025

Born in 1942 in Cantwell, Alaska, Maggie Oliver learned traditional values and practices of the Ahtna people, from her Mother Alice Norton, Grandmother Jennie Peters, and Uncle Henry Peters. Maggie grew up hunting, fishing, trapping, berry picking, hauling water, and sleeping on a homemade feather bed. Maggie was quick to share a story of ice skating on the Jack River, the one room schoolhouse with her cousins, learning to drive a truck to haul wood, riding the train to Anchorage, or mischief created with her siblings, Bud, Erick, Irene, and Nellie. Maggie moved to Mendeltna, Alaska with Grandma Morrie and Grandpa Joe Secondchief to attend high school in Glennallen, and she later went to Anchorage High. Every memory Maggie shared of her young life was filled with the lessons that taught her about hard work, and made her the resilient woman she became.

In 1964, Maggie married Tom Oliver, and God's love was put into action. In their home on Friendly Lane, friends and family took care of each other, forgave one another, shared love, and had fun. Maggie shared the value of fun and laughter when she made up the crazy food night, started the family's legendary food fights or water fights, or took your photo when someone put you in the garbage can. Maggie often laughed that Tom got fed up with her complaining that the couch, drapes, and carpet did not match, so he bought her a half-circle, patchwork, sectional couch that he said matched everything. Tom and Maggie's numerous friends and family remember that couch, whether they crashed on it for a night, a month, or kicked back for a holiday gathering. Just as Maggie's home was open to all who needed a safe place, her arms were open for a hug, her heart was open to those who were weary, and her ears were open if you needed to talk.

Maggie treasured being a mother, aunt, and grandmother. Her five daughters, Terri, Steena, Loann, Rhonda, and Leann, had friends that called Maggie, "mom" because she shared love and kindness so unconditionally. Maggie's most cherished titles are from her eight grand kids and four great grandkids who call her G.G., Grandma, Granny, Mummo, Grammy, Grantie, and The BadAssGranny.

Faith in the Lord and that he would provide, was the foundation for Maggie's generous spirit and legacy of love.