Olinka E. Nicolai was born on July 15, 1948 to her parents Nicolai E. Nicolai and Xenia E. Nicolai. She was the eldest of 3 sisters and 6 brothers. Olinka, or, "Al'a", as she was known, passed away peacefully, taken care of by her assisted living home on November 15, 2023 in Anchorage.

Olinka spent her childhood years living in Kwethluk, taking care of her many younger siblings. Here, she developed a passion for the care and education of children. During her high school years, Olinka moved to study at Mt. Edgecumbe. She graduated as salutatorian, to the pride of her family. After high school, Olinka went on to the University of Alaska Fairbanks to pursue a degree in teaching.

Her college years were full of many adventures. She traveled all over the country, taking a greyhound bus from one state to the next. She even visited Japan in a foreign exchange student program. As an avid lover of teaching, Olinka went on to work in many locations, including Guam.

After all of her travels and getting her masters degree in teaching, Olinka returned home to Alaska to teach in villages along the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta for the next 21 years. Even after retiring, Olinka's passion for teaching and taking care of others led her to volunteering at Ayaprun Eliitnaurviik, the Yup'ik Immersion School.

Throughout all of her adventures, Olinka made many friends. She was a caring and generous person who cared deeply for her family, always taking the time to come home to Kwethluk to organize family get-togethers during the holidays.

In memory of Olinka, our eldest sister, aunt, and mother, a service will be held in the afternoon on November 24th at the St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church in Kwethluk. All are welcome to attend.

Thank you to the many family and friends that have helped us during this time of grieving, too numerous to name. You all know who you are, may God grant you many blessings.