Harriet Marie Palagan Reich

Jan 25, 1980 -

May 22, 2023

Harriet Marie Palagan passed peacefully surrounded by family and friends on May 22, 2023, at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, Alaska.

Harriet was born in Utqiagvik, Alaska, on Jan. 25, 1980, to her parents Johnny and Lucille Leavitt. She graduated from Barrow High School in 1998. She is predeceased by her husband, Tad Michael Qallu Reich; and father, Johnny Leavitt.

She is survived by her son, Steven Michael; daughter, Siana LeaRei Reich; mother, Lucille Leavitt; brother, Johnny Nayuk Leavitt; sisters, Mona Krider, Mary Fulcher and Shelley Kaleak; and many close aunties, uncles, cousins and very close lifelong friends.

Harriet Marie was first and foremost a loving mother. She loved feeding people. She was a member of the Barrow Whaling Captains Association. Harriet Marie carried on the whaling tradition even after the passing of her father and her husband. Harriett Marie had a passion for hunting and fishing. Many were fed because of her generosity and her passion to keep traditional hunting traditions alive.

Harriet Marie made lifelong close friends. Her classmates were very special to her. She encouraged many, especially in competitive sports like taekwondo, in which she achieved a black belt, the Barrow Whalers basketball team and the Barrow Little Dribblers. Her passion for living and promoting the Inupiat culture had Harriet representing Utqiagvik as Miss Top of the World at the WEIO.

We will most remember her kindness and her loving heart with compassion for helping those in need. Her kind heart, giving soul, and gentle touch will not be forgotten in many northern Alaska communities.

Services will be held at Utqiagvik Presbyterian Church on Saturday, June 3, 2023. A viewing will be held at 12 p.m., with services following at 1 p.m.