Dr. Karen Shafer, retired SOU speech communication professor, passed away Tuesday, March 17, at Samaritan North Lincoln City (Ore.) Hospital following a 

prolonged illness. Karen, who was 82 at the time of her passing, is survived by her husband Joe, a former SOU music professor. 

The couple bought ocean-front property just south of Lincoln City in 1990, had a vacation home built there a few years later and became year-round residents in 2004.

Karen earned her bachelor of arts degree from Western State (Colo.) College, and her MS and PhD degrees from the University of Oregon. She joined the (then) Southern Oregon College faculty in 1968 and retired from Southern Oregon University 34 years later in 2002.

According to a longtime SOU colleague, "Karen was the best possible teacher a student could ask for. Her students were her first priority whether she was teaching, advising or simply being there when they needed someone to talk to. As a faculty colleague Karen was positive, collaborative and always looking for the best possible resolution to whatever issue was on the table."