After a long and brave journey, Alana Marie Privette, died peacefully on Oct. 17, 2013 at home with her family surrounding her. She was born March 29, 1963.

She went to be with her cherished grandfather, Ira Paulson, after knowing each of her sons were home safely beside her.

Alana endured many challenges as she raised her four boys. After several years as a para professional at Barnum High School, Alana returned to college and earned her education degree. She fulfilled her life's love of numbers by becoming a math teacher at Willow River High School. Alana fought to maintain hope and strength for her boys, family, friends, students, and co-workers throughout her long journey. Her strength, faith, and positive outlook became an inspiration to all who knew her.

Alana greatly appreciated the support of those around her, especially Dr. Kuross, Chaplin Jan, Christie, Heather, Licia, and the oncology nurses at Essentia who stood by her physically and emotionally. Her many school and knitting friends, Donny, Buck and the crew of Rockabilly Revue also gave her strength throughout her struggle. In an effort to continue her life-long dream of always teaching, Alana donated her body to science in an effort to help find a cure for cancer.

Survived by her parents Stan and Darlene Hultgren; fiancé Gordon Sather; children Jeremy (Beth Helland), Andrew, Christopher (Sondra Kempf), and Nathan; siblings Benita Ellison, Corina (Richard) Newman, Darren (Dawn) Hultgren, Erica (Chad) Thompson; children's father Joel (Sue) Privette; nieces, nephews, and many family and friends.

CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 20, 2013 in Holy Angels Church in Moose Lake. Guests are invited to share their memories of Alana during an open house until 5 p.m. Memorials may be sent to the family to help create math scholarships at Barnum High School and Willow River High School in Alana's memory.