Clara Dahl Lesher, age 74, a resident of both Eastsound and Seattle, passed quietly in her home on Aug. 30. She loved her family, friends, pets, gardening and traveling the world.

“According to our strength of character and our clarity of vision, we will endure, we will succeed, we will have contributed something to make life where we were and as we lived it better, brighter and more beautiful.” This quotation by Frank Lloyd Wright explains Clara’s life to perfection. She was adored by her family, friends and pets. She was envied for her adventurous nature and her beautiful spirit.

The daughter of Chris and Nina Dahl, she was born in Petersburg, Alaska. She left to attend college in New York, where she met naval officer George Lesher. The two were married in 1952 and raised their family in the Magnolia area of Seattle.

In 1983 the family added the North beach of Eastsound as a second home. Orcas Island was revered as Clara’s favorite place in the entire world. Sharing her island home with family and friends was her greatest joy.

She is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Lisa and Pat Ward, and their two children Kaitlin and Colin; her son and daughter-in-law, Chris and Sara Lesher and their son Bryce; and her youngest son, Blake Lesher.

The memorial service will be held Saturday, Sept. 9 at 11 a.m., at Light of the Cross Church, 2717 180th Street S.E., in Bothell.