Wrangell Sentinel -

Former Wrangell resident Pacita "Cita" Laws, 76, passed away peacefully at home on Aug. 29, in Hemet, California, surrounded by her family. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister and auntie.

Cita was born in 1945 to Theodore and Edna Cabot and raised in Wrangell. She graduated high school in 1964. Although she moved away in her early 20s, Wrangell remained close to her heart. She often returned to visit family and friends. On her visits, she would often go out fishing, berry picking, making jam, smoking salmon or beading with her sisters.

During her life she raised a family, ran a successful business in the fire protection industry with her husband Danny, and enjoyed many hobbies such as crocheting, beading and painting. She also was one of Jehovah's Witnesses and centered her life around her faith, spending much of her time volunteering in the Christian ministry.

She enjoyed being a grandmother and great-grandmother. One of her grandchildren summed it up by saying, "Grandma was the perfect grandma. She was fun to be around, she was silly, sweet and you just couldn't help but feel happy around her."

Cita was a loving, devoted mother and wife, and a loyal friend. Because of her genuinely kind and cheerful nature, people were drawn to her. She was known for her beautiful smile and enthusiasm for life. "She will be deeply missed," her family wrote.

She is survived by her son Arthur and daughters Jacqueline, Cheree and Elizabeth, along with her grandchildren Hugo, Julia, Jordan, Alena, Alyssa, Brianna, Michael, Sophia, Spencer and Nicholas, and 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way. She is also survived by her brothers Ted, Wes and Theo, and her sisters Betty, Virginia, Jana, Billie, Gerri, Carolina, Jaqueline and Teresa, and many nieces and nephews.

Cita was preceded in death by her husband Danny, son Michael, mother Edna, father Theodore, brothers John, David, Marc, and nephew Charles.

A memorial was held for Cita via Zoom on Sept. 18.