Malcolm Gorrill
Northern News Services

Yellowknife (Sep 21/01) - At least 50 people attended a party last Saturday to celebrate Jean Arey's 84th birthday. Arey's actual birthday was yesterday.

A birthday party was held on Saturday for Jean Arey, who turned 84 September 20th. - Malcolm Gorrill/NNSL photo

She was born Jean Gordon in Barrow, Alaska, and grew up in Alaska. She married Tom Arey Sr. in 1935. They migrated in the 1940s into the Yukon, and moved into the Delta a few years later.

Arey has lived in Aklavik and Inuvik, and now lives in long term care at the Inuvik Regional Hospital due to Alzheimer's Disease and arthritis.

The Areys had 10 children: Mabel Musson, who lives in Ontario; Mary Rinas, Inuvik; Florence Sittichinli, Aklavik; Robert Arey, Barter Island, Alaska; Jim Arey, Edmonton; Eddie Arey, Barter Island, Alaska; Maggie Ollington, Inuvik; and Donald Arey, Inuvik; Eunic Norris and Tom Arey Jr., who are both dead.

The Areys also had two adopted grandchildren, Lois Arey and Darrel Arey.

Granddaughter Carol Arey explained that, as of last count, Jean Arey has 42 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren.

Jean Arey helped pass on drum dancing and was a member of the group in Aklavik, and also in Inuvik.

During Saturday's party at the Aurora College gym, Carol Arey explained her grandmother was anxious to hear the Singalong Group gospel singers from Aklavik.