PORT ANGELES — Bewildered mourners this week embraced the memory of Valerie Claplanhoo, slain Jan. 2 inside her Sequim apartment.
Claplanhoo, 57, lived much of her adult life without material possession yet, without pause, nurtured and sheltered others, friends and family said at remembrance events Sunday and Monday.
Claplanhoo, a Makah tribal member related to the legendary Makah tribal Chairman Edward Eugene Claplanhoo, lived at Sunbelt Apartments in Sequim, where more than a dozen residents recalled her generosity and offbeat humor Jan. 20 in the community room.
The next night, as Martin Luther King Jr. Day drew to a close under frigid skies, more than 50 people bearing lit candles gathered at Veterans Memorial Park in Port Angeles.
Becky Ruby, left, and Tanya Gardner say goodbye Sunday after a remembrance service they attended for Valerie Claplanhoo at Sunbelt Apartments in Sequim, where Claplanhoo lived. (Paul Gottlieb/Peninsula Daily News)
Members of the Lower Elwha Klallam, Quileute and Makah tribes led a service punctuated by a Shaker funeral bell’s lengthy toll, the dirge of a drum and tearful chants.
“It was Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and it brought everyone together,” Valerie’s sister, Cindy Claplanhoo of Neah Bay, said Tuesday.
Authorities are waiting for an autopsy report expected to indicate a cause of Claplanhoo’s death that Clallam County Prosecuting Attorney-Coroner Mark Nichols said he hopes to receive this week.
People gather Monday evening at Veterans Memorial Park in Port Angeles to mourn the death of Valerie Claplanhoo, who was killed in Sequim on Jan. 2. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)
The Sequim Police Department’s homicide investigation is ongoing.
Valerie’s daughter, Kish, 34, was at the Jan. 21 service, visiting from her home in Elma.
“She had a lot of shortcomings, but didn’t fall short,” Kish said of her mother.
“She had that ability to stand behind people and see themselves for what they were capable of. It’s sad she could never see it in herself.”
Claplanhoo’s family is planning a service May 4 in Neah Bay.
Reporter Paul Gottlieb can be reached at 360-452-2345.
Candlelight illuminates a flower during Monday’s vigil for Valerie Claplanhoo, who was killed in Sequim on Jan. 2. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)
Cindy Claplnahoo, left, hands out gifts from her family during a vigil for her sister, Valerie Claplanhoo, who was killed in Sequim on Jan. 2. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Dialy News)
Lee Wachendorf speaks about his aunt, Valerie Claplanhoo, during her vigil Monday night. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)
Thelma Lawrence of the Lower Elwha Klallam Tribe sings during a vigil for Valerie Claplanhoo Monday evening. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)
Virgil and Valerie Johnson of the Makah Tribe sing during a vigil for Valerie Claplanhoo on Monday evening. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)
Virgil and Valerie Johnson of the Makah Tribe sing during a vigil for Valerie Claplanhoo on Monday evening. (Jesse Major/Peninsula Daily News)
Photos of Valerie Claplanhoo and other personal items were displayed Sunday at a remembrance service at Sunbelt Apartments in Sequim, where she lived. (Paul Gottlieb/Peninsula Daily News)
