Karen Mae Shaw

born September 29, 1952 Tucson, Arizona Died June 22, 2016 Santa Barbara, California Karen Shaw passed away in her sleep on June 22, from complications of diabetes. She is survived by four siblings, including her brothers Larry Shaw, Bob Shaw and Dave Shaw, and by her ex-husband, Richard Buchen of Santa Barbara.
A memorial service is scheduled for 5pm July 5 at the picnic area at Shoreline Park.

She left this note about her life for those who knew her:

Attended Brooks Institute of Art
Santa Barbara Adult Education Art and Painting classes; Ron Keyes, palette knife painting, Tucson; Joe Garcia watercolor painting, Escondido; Dorothy McKenzie oil painting, Santa Barbara. Karen lived in Tucson, Arizona until the age of 13, when her family relocated to Santa Barbara.

She loved Santa Barbara very much and would be fortunate to return many times, eventually spending her last years here.
She loved dogs and cats and had many faithful pets by her side, and in her travels.
She worked for a few years for a Veterinarian in Tucson, and rescued several pets, during those years.
Karen loved gardening, learned most of it from her Grandmother, Anne Mellor.
She always planted as many plants and varieties as her gardens could support.
She painted many flower paintings from what she grew in her own garden.
She loved nature, visited Alaska, and most of the Southwest.
Karen had an interest in Native American Philosophy and medicine, that inspired painting portraits from turn of the century photographs. She also attended many events and celebrations regarding American Indians.
She worked at the Southwest Museum in Los Angeles, Ca., as assistant manager in the gift store, which allowed Karen to continue to work with the American Indian culture.
Karen leaves a few special friends.
She leaves many paintings for her family to remember her spirit.