Oriole Coombe Shubin

She was born in Brisbane, Wooloowin, Australia on July 14, 1925. She was a wonderful storyteller and often told stories about her childhood in Brisbane—climbing trees, taking trips to the beach, picking mangoes from the trees in her yard and eating them entirely with juice dripping down her chin.

As she grew, her life became a sweet love story which resulted in her being the very first of the Australian WWII women to return home with their United States military husbands.

Their love story would be referenced in a recent novel by Australian author, John Stephenson in his book, The Battle of Brisbane. He would change their names, but would carefully parallel the events of that relationship that would lead to their marriage.

Oriole would meet Murray Joseph “Jim” Shubin at the small pharmacy or drugstore where she worked. He would find all kinds of silly reasons to go in and see her and buy things that he most likely did not need. Finally, during the course of those visits, he would speak to her and eventually ask her if he could approach her father about taking her out on a date. She did, and when he visited their home, he met and spoke to her father and mother. They were thrilled that this young American gentleman officer and fighter pilot was interested in taking their daughter out on a date.

He completed his tour in the 339th Fighter Squadron on Guadalcanal in which his squadron was the one that famously shot down the infamous Japanese Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, the chief planner of the Pearl Harbor attack. He became a double ace flying his P-38 with that Squadron. He would return to ask Oriole to marry him which she happily accepted and where he gave her a lovely engagement ring. He had clandestinely determined her ring size.

They would be married shortly thereafter in November 1943, returning to the United States on board a U.S. Navy vessel on which he was assigned officer duties under the direction of the ship’s Captain.

In the United States, he was assigned to the Army Air Corps flight training base at Santa Maria, California training young new pilots in the P-38.

Their first child, Derek Allan Shubin, would be born there at the Catholic hospital in September 1944. He would be followed by his younger brother, James Arden Shubin, in May 1946.

Jim would continue to pursue a career in the military which included the United States Army Air Corps evolving into the United States Air Force in 1947.

Oriole was then an official Air Force wife and supported her beloved husband in all his assignments which would include his continued flight status as an Air Force pilot. She was adored for her Australian accent which over the many years gradually became less evident.

Two more sons would be born, Donald Sydney Shubin and Van Ward Shubin. Military assignments took the family to many different parts of the United States before he went to the Pentagon into the War Plans Division there. From there, he would be promoted to Lieutenant Colonel and given the command of a new jet bomber squadron in France.

Jim would pass away in France at the age of 39 from a heart attack that occurred while they were on practice escape invasion maneuvers on July 23, 1956.

Although overwhelmed with grief, Oriole manifested resiliency and determination and moved into action. Upon the news, she had the presence of mind in the middle of the night to gather her four boys and inform them of their father’s passing and make plans for what they needed to do next.

It was decided they would move to Colorado in which she very effectively accomplished all the necessary preparations in France that would enable this to happen. The journey included a drive from New York in their new Volkswagen beetle all the way to Colorado with a rack on top and belongings packed on the roof.

Oriole tirelessly worked to provide a home for her four boys ages 12 to 4 in southeast Denver. Each would grow up and become successful in their chosen fields.

In 1971 she would be introduced by the physician whom she worked for as a receptionist to a dear farmer friend of his from Goodland, Kansas, Lawrence House. A relationship would be established, and they would be married in that year and remain so until his death at the age of 92.

Following his death a few years later, her family would help her move to Fort Collins, Colorado, where she resided in a mobile home park to be near family. Then because of health concerns, she was moved to the Good Samaritan Society Assisted Living facility in Fort Collins. Her son Jim and close friend, Peggy Gibford, would faithfully care for her until her passing.

On her 100th birthday, a special family reunion to celebrate her was held and family from across the country came to see her, pay sincere respects and above all take the time to just love her. She departed this life knowing she was very dearly loved.

She is preceded in death by her parents, father, Victor James Coombe and mother, Muriel Annie Amos, by her brother, Arden Coombe, her sisters Dell and Colleen and her son, Donald Sydney Shubin. Her sister Lyn Murray is currently still living in Australia.

She is survived by her sons, Derek Allan, James Arden and Van Ward Shubin and three daughters-in-law. She has 12 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren and 7 great-great grandchildren.

Oriole will be deeply missed by the family. She was known for her quick wit, sharp mind and offbeat sense of humor. Fiercely independent and guided by her own inner compass, she listened to the beat of her own drum. She leaves behind a legacy of strength and individuality that will continue to impact those who knew her.

In the presence of the Lord, may her joy be full with all those who have preceded her especially her beloved husband.

The Shubin family wishes to acknowledge and thank with immense gratitude the staff at Good Samaritan Society for the care and attention they gave to Oriole during her years of residency. Thank you sincerely for understanding and appreciating her fun yet feisty personality.