Irina Shayk Mourns Death in the Family

Irina Shayk isn't really feeling celebratory and festive this Holiday season. Shayk's grandmother, Galina Shaykhlislamova, passed away at the age of 89.

According to The Siberian Times, Shayk's grandmother was an inspiration to her. Her grandmother has helped raised her before she found her recognition and riches in the field of fashion and modeling abroad.

"RIP my love," Shayk wrote in Russian language on Instagram along with a picture of her with her grandmother. "You'll always be in our memories - cheerful, kind, caring, loving," she wrote. "We are proud of you," she continued. Shayk said she was so proud of her grandmother having had helped their country during war times. She also wrote that her grandmother is a good role model to follow.

Prior to her grandmother's passing, Shayk has been sharing pictures of her with the 89-year-old war veteran on different social media Web sites such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

On Nov. 1, she posted a picture of her with her grandmother with a Russian caption that translates to "the most important thing in life is your relatives and loved ones." "All my prayers go to my grandmother who is sick," she later posted on the very same day. "God will look after her and I hope she gets better," she added. "I love you and send you all my love," she wrote.

On Nov. 20, she posted another message and greeted her grandmother on her 89^th birthday.

"So proud of my granny," Shayk wrote on Facebook on Nov. 29. "We are all praying for your health, junior sergeant of secret air regiment," she added.

Upon knowing Galina's condition, Shayk has flown to see her and visited her several times after as her health deteriorated.

The life story of Shayk's grandmother was already featured in an article by The Siberian Times released in August 2012. Galina shared how her life was a lot different than Shayk's. Instead of enjoying her teenage years, Galina had to work as a spy when she was set out by Soviet Union's de facto leader Joseph Stalin. Part of Galina's job is to identify and locate Nazi troop.

Some women have experienced hardships during the war. Sometimes people often take for granted the very things that most warrant our appreciation. Shayk's grandmother is only one of the many women and men who have been brave to extend their services or gave up their lives during the war for our generation to receive the gift of freedom.