Kata Shapiro of Vashon died March 3, 2002, after a battle with breast cancer. She was 55 years old.

Mrs. Shapiro lived on Vashon for the past four years after fulfilling a 16-year dream of living on the island.

She was born Feb. 27, 1947, in Oklahoma, and soon after moved to Great Bend, Kan.

She completed high school in Billings, Mont., and attended the University of Montana where she discovered her first two loves: dance and her husband of 30 years, Paul.

After graduating with an advanced degree in dance, she founded Dance Montana, a touring dance company. She also performed as a solo artist throughout the Northwest.

In 1977, the couple moved to Santa Fe, N.M., where they created the Santa Fe Movement Arts Center and the national award-winning Santa Fe Children’s Project.

In 1985, she moved to Seattle, where she applied her talents to the visual arts, and gardening. In 1989, Kata fulfilled another dream to create family. Kata and Paul adopted their first child, Osani. In 1996, she completed the family circle with the adoption of Grace.

Mrs. Shapiro’s life was a commitment to love and relationships, both of which were pursued with unending fervor. She was a role model and teacher for her friends and family. She was a seeker of truth and honesty, with a strong affinity for Buddhism and alternative medicine.

Survivors include her husband Paul and daughters, Osani and Grace.

There will be a gathering at 6 p.m. Friday, March 8, at the home with a ceremony at 7:30 p.m. For directions, send an e-mail to info@paulshapiro.com.

In lieu of flowers, donation can be made in her name to Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences Dance Studio Capital Fund, 1201 East Union St., Seattle, Wash. 98122.