Obituary - Natasha I. Calvin

Tuesday, September 18, 2001
THE JUNEAU EMPIRE

Natasha Ivanovna Calvin, 68, died Sept. 7, 2001, of cancer in Sitka.

The daughter of Jack T. and Sasha (Kashevaroff) Calvin, she was born in Juneau on May 3, 1933. Apart from a few years spent pursuing a degree in marine biology, Calvin spent her entire life in the Southeast.

She was an active member of the Sitka community, working as a marine biologist, teaching piano, serving as borough clerk and assistant city clerk, and spearheading efforts to excavate an archaeological site on Baranof Island. She also founded and supported many community groups, such as the Sitka Coalition for Women's Rights, Sitkans for Choice, and Wine, Women and Song. She was one of the first women admitted to the Auke Bay Volunteer Fire Department.

Calvin was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Sasha Calvin; her uncle, Cyril Kashevaroff; her aunts, Nadja, Ledja, Natalia and Xenia Kashevaroff; her uncle, Frank Calvin and aunt, Lois Truscott.

She is survived by her husband, Robert Ellis of Sitka; her sister, Lois Ann Calvin of Seattle; daughters, Tanya Birkeland of Fairbanks and Sonia Birkeland of Sitka; her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Bob Purvis of Sitka; stepson and daughter-in-law, Carl and Leslie Ellis of Oregon; cousin, Jennifer Lovejoy of California; cousins Larry Calvin of Sitka and Jim Calvin of Juneau; and numerous friends.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Calvin's name may be made to Sitkans for Choice, Sitka Conservation Society and Sitka Coalition for Women's Rights.

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