N
orine Shima-Fojt, a woman of unwavering strength and conviction, left an indelible mark on the lives of those around her. Born in Honolulu on June 2, 1953, she spent most of her life in South Berkeley, where she attended UC Berkeley's Ethnic Studies program and earned her master's degree in 1988 with a thesis that boldly critiqued cultural assimilation.
A woman of many talents, Norine worked as a real estate agent, editor, and administrative assistant at UC Berkeley until her retirement in 2018. Her love for learning was contagious, and she instilled in me a passion for history, literature, and social justice. She would often take me to the public library, where we'd spend hours devouring books and discussing the world around us.
Norine's strength came from a lifetime of fighting for what she believed in, but it was also tempered by her deep love for those around her. She adored animals, particularly dogs, and spent countless hours caring for Toby, Benji, and Hatchi. Her love for me was unwavering, and she cherished every moment we shared.
A spiritual seeker, Norine's faith journey took her from Judaism to Christianity, but her devotion remained constant. She believed in the power of community and encouraged me to stand up for what I believed in, even if it meant speaking out against injustice.
Norine's passing on December 30 at age 71 has left a gaping hole in my life, but her legacy lives on through the countless memories we shared. I'll carry her love, strength, and conviction with me always, and I hope that one day the world will be loud and proud once more, just as she was.
