Our beautiful and beloved Shala Rose Racicky passed away at her home in Seattle on Jan. 14, 2016, from seizure-related complications. She was born in Coupeville on June 7, 1979, to Randy and Janice Racicky.

Shala graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1998 and was a member of the cross country team.

She graduated from Western Washington University in 2004 with a bachelor of science degree in environmental studies and recently obtained a degree in business and management from Seattle Central College. Her continuing education included the following certifications: Wilderness First Responder, Urban Design in Permaculture, National Association of Interpretive Guides and WSU Beach Watchers.

Shala’s many job experiences included environmental specialist/consultant, outdoor education instructor in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Georgia, naturalist at Seattle’s Carkeek & Seward Park and Audubon Society, conservationist at Sarapiqui Learning Center in the rainforest of Costa Rica, and field surveyor for green sea turtles in the Galapagos Islands. She was currently employed at Seattle Central College in their Mainstay Program, as well as volunteering at the Seattle Aquarium.

Shala was a vibrant spirit, courageous and daring. Although she had epilepsy from age 8 and endured seizures throughout her life, she never allowed that to define her life or stop her from pursuing her dreams of travel and world discovery.

She was an avid biker, hiker, swimmer, sailor, and, most of all, traveler. Her journeys began with travel throughout Europe and grew into many adventures around the world.

Her destinations included Ecuador, Guatemala, Panama, Columbia, Costa Rica, Peru, Bolivia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Singapore and her latest trip to Cuba. Some of these ventures were made with friends, but many were solo trips. Her passports looked like a world travel guide.

Shala is survived by her mother and step-father, Janice Racicky and Wayne Egelston; step-brother, Matthew Egelston; and step-sister, Markell Egelston. Other survivors include aunts Dianne and June; uncles Peter and Rainier; cousins Chris, Michelle, Cindy, Taby and Shasta; and nieces and nephews Gregory, Mackenzie, Kaila, Ty and Ava. Shala’s favorite title was “Auntie Shala.” She was preceded in death by her father, Randy, in 1987; and grandparents Ado and Rose Pellegini and Eileen Racicky.

Shala lived life more fully in her short 36 years than most people do in twice that time. Her life is indeed an inspiration to us all. She will travel with us in our hearts forever.

A memorial service for Shala will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 30, at Wallin Funeral Home in Oak Harbor.

A reception at the funeral home will follow. The family suggests memorials to Epilepsy Foundation Northwest, 1734 NE 90th Street, Seattle, WA 98115.

Funeral arrangements were entrusted to Wallin Funeral Home.

To share condolences, please visit Shala’s Book of Memories page on the funeral home website at www.wallinfuneralhome.com