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The Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum has received a bequest of well over $500,000 from the estate of Norada Shanafelt of Edmonds.

Shanafelt passed away Oct. 4, 2017. She was a master quilter and a passionate supporter of the Museum. The Museum was one of her favorite places to visit and she wanted her bequest to help preserve its art and beautiful quilts for generations to come.

Her close friend Cheryl Clarke said, “She created some of the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen. And she shared her beautiful creations with many of us who knew her. (She) always had a quilt ready for a new baby, birthday or wedding, etc. Her love of quilting extended into the community, working with various quilting groups to provide quilts for women’s shelters and other nonprofit organizations. She liked to attend various quilting retreats with others who enjoyed the same. Her love of nature and cats influenced some of her designs.”

Shanafelt worked for the Boeing Company. After retiring she worked at the Calico Basket in Edmonds, teaching others about quilting. Shanafelt and her husband, William, who passed away in 2016, had no children. Her estate went to places that meant a lot to her and charities that she and Bill supported.

“We had received several other generous gifts from Ms. Shanafelt over the years,” said Amy Green, executive director, “But we were unaware that she had left us such a significant bequest as part of her estate. It was an extremely pleasant surprise that touched us deeply!”

The bequest is the largest individual donation in the Museum’s history. The major portion of the bequest will go into the Museum’s endowment fund, and continue to earn revenue for Museum sustainability. A portion will go toward furnishing a new education and conservation annex in La Conner. Shanafelt will be recognized during an open house in March.

Source: Pacific Northwest Quilt & Fiber Arts Museum