Donnelly, Florence Hays (1915-2012) | Sealaska Heritage Institute Archives

Florence Hays Donnelly (1915-2012) was born at Indestuki, a village near Haines, Alaska in 1915. Florence was a Tlingit Indian of the Eagle Moiety, Brown Bear Clan. In her early youth both of her parents died, and she went to live with her grandmother for a short time. At age six Florence was sent to obtain her education at the Presbyterian operated Haines House, a boarding school for Alaska Native youth. At age eleven or twelve Florence was sent to Sitka to attend the Presbyterian operated Sheldon Jackson School, from which she later graduated. Shortly after graduation she married classmate Harold L. Donnelly Sr., and they later had two children together, Harold Jr. and Eva. She was a Tlingit artist and member of the Presbyterian Church. She worked as an educator at times, such as teaching at the Sheldon Jackson School/College, as well as volunteered with the Salvation Army and the Sitka Pioneer’s Home. She passed away in 2012.

Sources: Obituary, Daily Sitka Sentinel (26 Oct. 2012).