Juneau, Alaska resident Irene Paulette Shima, 54, died August 19, 2005, at home.

Irene was born to Lyle and Dorothy Galivan on Oct. 20, 1950 in Portsmouth Naval Hospital, Va. She was the youngest of three and grew up in Oak Harbor.

Growing up her passion was music. During her high school years she participated in a variety of choirs. In 1970 she took a road trip around the U.S. In 1973 she traveled through Europe. On Sept. 20, 1975 Irene married Noel Shima in Fargo, N.D. They moved to Northfield, Minn., where Anne was born in 1978 and Jason was born in 1981. They moved to Juneau in 1983 where they raised their family.

She was the Activity Director at The Bridge Adult Care Center and was a deacon at Chapel by the Lake. Her family says that she was “gentle and full of joy. Her strength, compassion, heart, spirit and love of others and life will be remembered forever.”

She is survived by her husband, Noel Shima of Juneau; her son, Jason Shima of Eugene, Ore.; her daughter, Anne Shima of Honolulu; her sister, Lee Kolden and her husband Roger of Oak Harbor; and her mother, Dorothy Galivan of Oak Harbor.

A memorial service was held August 25 at Chapel by the Lake.

Irene’s greatest passion was her job at The Bridge Adult Day Care Center. The Bridge will be moving into a new facility in October, and it’s her wish to have a part in the new opening. In lieu of gifts, make donations to the program at The Bridge Adult Day Care Center, c/o Mary Miller, 895 West 12th St., Juneau AK 99801.

Her Juneau family can be reached at 4482 Columbia Blvd., Juneau AK 99801. Her Oak Harbor family can be reached at 315 SE Ely St., Oak Harbor WA 98277.