Donna Jayne Shaw

Oct 4, 1944 -

Jan 16, 2023

On Jan. 16, 2023, the world lost a little of its vibrancy with the death of Donna Jayne Shaw. She was at home when she passed of natural causes. Her sense of style, sense of humor and unique view of life will be missed. Donna had recently been struggling with many health issues, but a case of COVID-19 and age teamed up to put an end to any magical comeback.

Donna was born on Oct. 4, 1944, in Detroit, Mich. Her family moved to Alaska in the 1960s, and settled into the city of Anchorage. She went to Anchorage High School and graduated in 1962, the year the school split into East and West. Always a beauty, she took runner-up prize in the 1961 Fur Rondy Beauty Pageant, while also excelling at water skiing and academics.

Donna was married to Dave Fridley for a short time. Then Donna began working at L & J music first as a bookkeeper, then manager and eventually became the store owner. With the help of a talented staff, the store would achieve city-wide acclaim during the 1970s and 80s. While at L & J Music, Donna met and married Fred Goerisch. Donna was dedicated to being the best mom in the world for her stepsons, Bryan and Jeff Goerisch. They both greatly benefited, as she was pivotal in Bryan's musical career and Jeff's athletic endeavors. The family spent many weekends at Big Lake and enjoyed their cabin and the periodic "music barges" that happened by. Such a sustained period of happiness was hard to maintain and Fred and Donna divorced in 1991.

Thus, it was during this time Donna decided to go back to school to get a master's degree in special education. She timed it so that she would graduate at the same time as her stepson Jeff. What a memorable day at the Sullivan Arena that was! Donna remained very close to Jeff and Bryan and was pivotal in Bryan's development into a local singing and piano mainstay.

Donna loved teaching and taught at The Whaley Center for 18 years. She had a passion and gift for empowering change in the lives of her students. When Donna retired, the messages of appreciation and adoration were overwhelming.

She was passionately involved with the East/West Reunion Committee. She loved to plan events and participated in each state of the process. Donna was able to involve her son Bryan, as well as her lifelong friend and former L & J Music employee, Bobby Mitchell, as musical entertainment.

Donna was preceded in death by many family members and cherished friends. A list of the people who made a difference in her life would be enumerable. She was deeply affected by the deaths of her mother, Charlotte, and sister, Suzan Doran, both whom she took the greatest of care during their last days. And lastly, her cat, Sweetie … forever remembered!

Donna is survived by her stepson, Jeff and wife Sandi; granddaughter, Vanessa; and stepson, Bryan. She is also survived by nephews, Joshua and Rusty Rustigan; great-nephew, Devon Cunningham; and great-niece, Brittany Haskett.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 19, 2023, at 4 p.m., at Christ Community Church, 2222 West 100th Avenue, Anchorage, AK 99515.