Martha Olsen Randolph passed away November 26, 2012 with her daughter at her side, after a lengthy battle with emphysema.    She was 79.  Martha was a life-long Kodiak resident, born August 1933 on Kodiak Island to Laura Larsen Olsen and Ole’ Olsen.  She was the 4th of 5 girls.   Martha married John Randolph in 1952 and together they raised 3 children on Kodiak:  Brett, Vicki and John “Johnny”.  Martha and John divorced in 1987.

Martha was especially proud of her Alutiiq, Russian and Norwegian heritage and together with her sisters continually strived to increase her knowledge of the family heritage.  Martha is the granddaughter of Anton Larsen and Olga Naumoff, and the great granddaughter of Evdakia Nerrosoff and Paul Naumoff from Katanai.     Martha was always giving back to her community–during her lifetime she donated over 11 gallons of blood, responding readily to a call for blood at all hours of the day and night and likely saving many lives.    She served for many years as an Election official during elections, as an officer for the Kodiak Island Sportsman Association (KISA), was a lifetime NRA member, served as a board member of the Kodiak Historical Society and as a volunteer at the Baranof Museum and the Kodiak Arts Council for many years, served in several officer roles with the Kodiak chapter of the Pioneers of Alaska, was a member and officer of Sons of Norway-Kodiak Chapter, and served as President of the Board for many years with the Anton Larsen, Inc. village corporation.   Martha worked for KANA for 14 years and at the time of her retirement in 2001 was the Director for the Community Health Aide Program (CHAP) where she was instrumental in developing a training program for the village health aides.    KANA awarded Martha their “Elder of the Year” recognition in 2007.

Martha gave her community more than just her time; even on a limited retirement income she continued to give financial support to many charitable organizations.   She was an avid animal lover.  Her children often teased her that her house was the best dog house in town. She loved the outdoors and was happiest when out picking berries in the fall or spending time with family on Anton Larsen Island, the island homesteaded by her grandfather Anton Larsen.   Martha excelled at everything she did.  When her children were young Martha supplemented the household income with sewing clothing for many fashionably dressed women in Kodiak.  Martha made several wedding dresses, and she knitted jackets for each member of her family.   In her later years she became quite well known for her fabulous berry syrups and various items sold at the Senior Center and the KANA holiday bazaars.

Martha was preceeded in death by her mother and father, her youngest son John, sisters Marie Olsen Chandler and Laura Belle Olsen Angell.  She is survived by her son Brett and his wife Jeanne Miller of Kodiak, daughter Vicki and her husband Kent Kluever of Palmer, Alaska, sisters Myrtle Olsen and Lila Olsen Schwantes both of Kodiak, grandchildren Robert Case and Adrienna Case, and numerous extended family members.

Services were conducted by Father Paisius and the St. Innocents Academy at the Holy Resurrection Cathedral.  Martha is buried in the City of Kodiak cemetery.  Condolances may be sent to  840 South Iris Circle  Palmer, AK    99645