Rosemary Shinohara

Journalist Age: 73

When visiting her mother in the hospital, Michi Shinohara packed three things for her: pictures, chocolate and a stuffed animal from her son. At the hospital, Rosemary Shinohara opened her eyes one last time in December 2020 as Michi held out a photo of Rosemary’s grandson. She died of COVID-19 at 73. Rosemary was an award-winning journalist who, for more than 40 years, told Alaska’s stories, mostly at her hometown newspaper, the Anchorage Daily News. Her colleagues remember her as a stern editor and dedicated mentor.

“She had a lot of integrity,” Michi said. “She was always passionate and wanting to unearth things.”

But to family, Michi said, Rosemary was a latte-loving chocoholic, a dog lover, a master gardener, an avid reader and a “loving and loyal friend and parent.” She was quiet but a fierce feminist.

Still today, Michi’s father lays out flowers, chocolate and a daily cup of coffee and glass of wine for his wife.