Marsha (Million) Hopkins, 60, died Friday, Jan. 8, 2010, at The Ark of Homer after battling frontotemporal dementia and breast cancer.

Marsha's ashes will be spread on the waters of Kachemak Bay, where she made her living. A gathering of friends and family will be at 3 p.m., Feb. 6, 2010, at Land's End Resort.

Marsha was born March 6, 1949, in Logansport, Ind. She was schooled in Indiana and later traveled extensively in Europe and the Middle East, ultimately becoming a trained illustrator in Aix-en-Provence, France.

Marsha moved to Alaska in 1970 and lived in Anchorage and Toksook Bay in the early-mid 1970s, then to Homer, and later built her own home in Little Jakolof Bay.

She was always self-employed, either as a boot maker, leather worker, artist or commercial fisherwoman. In 1990, she established the Jakolof Ferry Service, boating passengers across Kachemak Bay. She operated this business with her husband, Tom, until her illness forced her to stop working in 2003.

Marsha's main interest was always in art. Her favorite time of year was Christmas so she could give presents that she'd make.

"Marsha was a courageous, independent, self-made woman who garnered the respect and admiration of all who knew her. While in Toksook Bay, she learned the art of sewing fur and leather and could make or repair nearly any kind of garment. This skill, combined with an incredible artistic talent, sustained Marsha all through her life. She chose to live across Kachemak Bay from Homer to be as close to the natural world as she could. She loved her neighbors and all the life that forms that world and she strived to protect it and lend a helping hand to any need. Marsha was dearly loved and will be missed by all," her family said.

Marsha was preceded in death by her parents, Adeline "Tudie" and Robert Million.

She is survived by her husband, Tom Hopkins of Homer; and numerous cousins in the Lower 48 and many friends in Anchorage, Homer and Toksook Bay.

Memorial donations may be given to Hospice of Homer.

Arrangements were made by Peninsula Memorial Chapel.