Irene, Age 76, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2018 surrounded by her husband and family. She had just returned about one and half weeks from an enjoyable trip to Japan with her husband, sister and niece before suddenly passing away from a brain aneurysm. She was born on March 29, 1942 to Kumato and Masao Sonoda. Born three and half months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, she was given the name Irene, which meant peace and Katsue, which meant victory or win. Irene is survived by her beloved husband Paul "Shag" Shigenaga to whom she married in 1965, her sister Sadie Minakami and Family of the Late Herbert Minakami, brother-in-law Paul Motoyama and Family of her Late Sister Evelyn Motoyama, Family of her Late Brother Michael Sonoda, Family of her Late Brother Alan Sonoda, Family of her Late Sister Florence Kawahara and Family of her Late Sister Anna Hodai. Irene is also survived by her dogs, Kobi and Zara, whom she dearly loved. Irene had a pleasant childhood, growing up in Kalihi with her parents and siblings, graduating from Farrington High School in 1960. She went on to Honolulu Business College, obtaining her Associate Degree in 1962. Her first and only employment out of Business School and lasting her entire career, was with First Insurance Company of Hawaii. Irene was a loyal and dedicated employee over her 36 years with the company, starting as a clerk typist and working her way up to Assistant Vice President of the Claims Department for approximately five years, before retiring in 1998. Her favorite pastimes were attending obedience dog training for her Labradors, going fishing, playing cards, playing a bit of golf, watching and recording Korean dramas and traveling. One of her favorite destinations was Las Vegas where she could spend hours on slot and video poker machines and was quite lucky. She had visited parts of the East Coast, Mid-West, West Coast, Canada, Korea, China, Japan and had been on several cruises. Irene was a very good natured, loving and caring wife, sister, aunty and a good friend. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, funny stories, love of dogs, good cooking, compassion, kindness and enduring beauty. She will be sorely missed. Private services were held. No koden (monetary offerings) and flowers. However, for her love of dogs, you may donate to the Hawaiian Humane Society, In Memory of Irene Shigenaga. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
Irene, Age 76, passed away peacefully on May 3, 2018 surrounded by her husband and family. She had just returned about one and half weeks from an enjoyable trip to Japan with her husband, sister and niece before suddenly passing away from a brain aneurysm. She was born on March 29, 1942 to Kumato and Masao Sonoda. Born three and half months after Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor, she was given the name Irene, which meant peace and Katsue, which meant victory or win. Irene is survived by her beloved husband Paul "Shag" Shigenaga to whom she married in 1965, her sister Sadie Minakami and Family of the Late Herbert Minakami, brother-in-law Paul Motoyama and Family of her Late Sister Evelyn Motoyama, Family of her Late Brother Michael Sonoda, Family of her Late Brother Alan Sonoda, Family of her Late Sister Florence Kawahara and Family of her Late Sister Anna Hodai. Irene is also survived by her dogs, Kobi and Zara, whom she dearly loved. Irene had a pleasant childhood, growing up in Kalihi with her parents and siblings, graduating from Farrington High School in 1960. She went on to Honolulu Business College, obtaining her Associate Degree in 1962. Her first and only employment out of Business School and lasting her entire career, was with First Insurance Company of Hawaii. Irene was a loyal and dedicated employee over her 36 years with the company, starting as a clerk typist and working her way up to Assistant Vice President of the Claims Department for approximately five years, before retiring in 1998. Her favorite pastimes were attending obedience dog training for her Labradors, going fishing, playing cards, playing a bit of golf, watching and recording Korean dramas and traveling. One of her favorite destinations was Las Vegas where she could spend hours on slot and video poker machines and was quite lucky. She had visited parts of the East Coast, Mid-West, West Coast, Canada, Korea, China, Japan and had been on several cruises. Irene was a very good natured, loving and caring wife, sister, aunty and a good friend. She will be remembered for her infectious laughter, funny stories, love of dogs, good cooking, compassion, kindness and enduring beauty. She will be sorely missed. Private services were held. No koden (monetary offerings) and flowers. However, for her love of dogs, you may donate to the Hawaiian Humane Society, In Memory of Irene Shigenaga. Arrangements Provided By: Nuuanu Memorial Park & Mortuary LLC
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
