Cynthia Jacquelyne Plas-tino, 61, of Twin Falls, Idaho, died Thursday, July 21, 2011, at her home.

“Jackie” Plastino was born Jan. 13, 1950, in Santa Monica, Calif., the daughter of Felix and Edythe Plastino. She loved learning, as well as teaching, and her professors and students would say she was adept at both. She attended the University of Idaho and received a bachelor’s degree in Spanish and later continued her education at the University of Arizona, where she earned her master’s degree in English as a Second Language.

Ms. Plastino lived on Vashon during the 1980s and 1990s and was actively involved in the community. She drove the “Van Go Bus” for the Vashon Senior Center, started the Sequoia Spiritual Center in Ellisport and taught a class for children on human values.

Though Ms. Plastino loved teaching at Twin Falls High School in Idaho, her first love was adventure — traveling to new places, engaging with people, going camping or hiking and kayaking wherever there was water. A consummate explorer at heart, Ms. Plastino set out to experience the beauty of this planet in a way that few people ever do, capturing it all on film so as to share it with others.

Ms. Plastino covered five continents in her travels, learning four languages in the process and befriending many. Not only did she explore externally but within herself as well, as spirituality was very much a part of her life.

Ms. Plastino is survived by her family and many friends. A memorial service was held on July 30.