Irene Jane Albayalde-Robinson

1934 - 2022

Soldotna resident Irene Jane Albayalde-Robinson, 88, passed away peacefully on December 10, 2022 surrounded by family. Irene was born February 3, 1934 in Salinas, California to Ann Keener and Joe Albayalde. Irene was Tlingit, Kaagwaantaan clan, and Filipino. Her Tlingit name was Kaa jis dushi, which translates to "sings for man." Irene lived in Juneau, Alaska from infancy, graduating from Juneau Douglas High School in 1952. She met and married David Harman in 1955. The family moved to Fairbanks with their two young daughters, Laura and Theresa in 1957 where they added five more children, including Denise, Kathleen, David (Jeff), Richard and Jacqueline to their growing family. In 1967 the family moved to Anchorage where the youngest of eight, Thomas was born.

Irene's early work included medical transcription, work at the Alaska court system in Fairbanks and Anchorage, Executive Secretary for the State of Alaska Supreme Court and Public Defender's Agency in Anchorage. While working at the Public Defender's Agency she met and married her second husband, Arthur (Chuck) Robinson. Together with her children and his two, Sean and Aaron, they moved to Clam Gulch, Alaska in 1975. The family worked together commercial set-net fishing from 1976-1997 while also running their Law Office, Robinson and Associates which Irene co-owned and managed until her retirement in 2011.

Irene's family remember her as a woman of strong faith, practicing her faith daily. Irene grew up in the Catholic church, always recalling how important the church and in particular, two priests (Father Sweeny and Whalen) were to her, carrying her safely through her teenage years and into young adulthood. She played the Church organ and sang in the choir, often being singled out for solos because of her beautiful voice. Irene and Chuck were introduced to the Baha'i Faith while living in Clam Gulch and became Baha'is in 1976. Irene was an ardent servant, guide and mentor to others in her Baha'i community including service on the Local Spiritual Assembly of Ridgeway for many years, usually serving as the treasurer. With her excellent business sense, she managed the Ridgeway Baha'i center, including upkeep and maintenance. Irene served on many teaching committees and was always willing to share her Faith through teaching and prayers, even during her convalescence. In the last days as others around her were saying prayers she would call "pray out" to request more prayers from those around her.

Other attributes Irene's family would like you to know about include her strength, a pillar of strength and support to others. She had an unconditional love and trust for everyone and was generous with her time and wisdom. Active and adventurous – willing to try just about anything including hiking and climbing mountains into her 70's, getting first tattoos with her daughters at the age of 79 and ziplining at the age of 84. She loved to dance, was always ready for a good time, never taking herself too seriously. She loved to play piano, spend time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, loved lighthouses – having an extensive collection and was a world traveler. She was quick witted and made everyone laugh. She loved all professional sports, her favorite being tennis. She was Rafael Nadal's biggest fan. For many years she housed the Peninsula Oiler's baseball players, many of whom kept in touch with her over the years.

Irene is survived by her husband of forty-four years Arthur (Chuck) Robinson of Soldotna; her daughters Theresa Claire Harman-Carroll (Buck) of Soldotna, Kathleen Louise Harman of Juneau, Jacqueline Carol Tagaban (Alfonso) of Juneau; sons David Jeffrey Harman (Vickie) of Juneau, Richard Austin Harman (Angeline) of Soldotna, Thomas Joseph Harman (Elena) of Anchorage, Sean Robinson of Maryland, and Aaron Robinson of Florida; and son-in law Sid Cox (Denise – deceased) of Soldotna; eighteen grandchildren and eight great grandchildren; sister Mary Albayalde and brother Allen Albayalde both of San Francisco.

Irene was preceded in death by her father Joe Albayalde, mother Ann Keener; daughters Denise Jay Cox and Laura Roseann Harman, and brothers Joseph Johnson, Peter Johnson, Robert Albayalde and Joe Albayalde.

The family would like to send a special thank you to and all the friends, family and neighbors who have reached out with prayers, condolences and acts of service. It truly has been a comfort to see such community love and support in this time of sorrow.

A Graveside service will take place Sunday, December 18, 2022 at 1pm at the Soldotna Community Memorial Park at 600 W. Redoubt Ave. Soldotna, AK – The family invites everyone to gather to warm up afterwards at the Ridgeway Baha'i Center at 44830 Knight Drive.

The Celebration of Life will take place Tuesday, December 20, 2022 at 1pm at the Fireweed Hall of Our Lady of Perpetual Help at 139 Fireweed, Soldotna, AK 99669. For the Celebration of Life please consider bringing a side dish or dessert to share.