Biography
"I was separated from my husband, we have not been able to see each other for more than a year," said Irina Shishkina, who ended up under recognizance agreement, and her husband under house arrest due to criminal prosecution for his faith.
Irina was born in the small village of Karalde, Kemerovo Region. Five children grew up in the family—Irina and her 4 brothers. Their father worked as a chief accountant in production for 45 years, and then served in the tax inspectorate; their mother was a nanny in a kindergarten, a storekeeper, but she devoted most of her time to her family. Parents and one of the brothers are no longer alive.
Since childhood, Irina loved outdoor games, hiking, helped her parents with the housework, learned to knit, sew and embroider. During her school years, she became interested in sports—volleyball, basketball, running, skiing—and participated in competitions.
After graduating from school, the girl entered the Novokuznetsk Agricultural College, where she received a degree in accounting. She worked as a head of a bank branch, and later in trade. In 2024, she graduated from college with a degree in pharmacy and got a job in a pharmacy.
Irina's father was the first in the family to meet Jehovah's Witnesses, and in the 1990s he was baptized. A few years later, Irina became interested in the Bible. She recalls: "In the Bible, I found answers to many questions, my life was filled with meaning. I have changed for the better." In 2010, Irina became one of Jehovah's Witnesses.
After the death of her mother, the believer began to take care of her father, who suffered a stroke, until his death. In 2013, Irina married Vasiliy Shishkin. They are united by a love of nature, walking, cycling and hiking with tents.
Despite the criminal prosecution, those around them did not turn their backs on the Shishkins: colleagues, neighbors respect and try to support Irina, relatives and friends remain a reliable support.