Shiway Elizabeth Barry

Shiway Elizabeth Barry brought light and curiosity to every corner of her young life. Born July 17, 2009, in Fairbanks, Alaska, Shiway loved animals and cared for her many guinea pigs with patience and tenderness. She dreamed of combining her love of animals and the outdoors by becoming a farmer‑veterinarian, and her everyday play reflected that gentle, practical curiosity.

Shiway’s interests were many for a child her age: she enjoyed playing Minecraft, building with Legos, swimming and snorkeling, reading, and playing violin. She could be found on a playground swing, quietly contemplating rainbows or the next small thing that captivated her imagination. She loved basketball and gaga ball, and she cherished time outside — simple pleasures that suited her thoughtful nature.

Family meant everything to Shiway. She was raised by her parents, Sean and Riana Barry, and shared a close bond with her younger sister, Sadie. Shiway’s easy humor and intelligence showed in how she engaged with the world — always curious, often precocious, and quick with a ready smile.

In the weeks after her passing, the Duluth community remembered Shiway alongside her family, celebrating the ways the Barrys touched neighbors and friends. A public funeral and community gatherings provided space for people to share memories of Shiway’s warmth, her small everyday joys, and the bright presence she added to family life.

Though her years were far too few, Shiway’s tenderness for animals, love of outdoor play, and lively intelligence are the threads that remain in the memories of those who knew her. She is remembered as a kind, inquisitive child whose simple pleasures and caring heart left a lasting impression.