Carla Jean Shaffer, an Orcas Island resident for more than 20 years, died Jan. 5 due to accidental drowning.

Carla was the daughter of Evaughn Shaffer of Spencer, Iowa, and the late Thomas Shaffer. Carla was born Sept. 16, 1953 and raised in Spencer. She graduated from Spencer High School in 1972.

Following high school, Carla attended the College of Emporia in Emporia, Kan., and the Cornish Institute of Allied Arts in Seattle.

She loved to travel and spent many months traveling in India, Norway and other parts of the world.

Carla will be remembered by her family and friends for her beauty and grace as well as her artistic and creative talents. Carla was also active in, and devoted her life to, the Baha’i Faith.

She is survived by her daughters Karina Shaffer-Bauck, of Arcata, Calif., and Lyria Shaffer-Bauck, of Colorado Springs, Col., as well as her mother, Evaughn Shaffer, of Spencer, and siblings Beth Kimmerling Dumler, of Lincoln, Neb; Gary Shaffer, of Denver, Col.; Brian Shaffer, of Portland, Ore.; and Lecia Shaffer, of Pleasanton, Calif.

A memorial fund has been set up in Carla’s memory for her daughters. Donations may be sent to Carla Shaffer Memorial Fund, Islanders Bank, 475 Fern Street, Eastsound, WA 98245, Tel: 360-376-2265.