It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Anna Musette Lafferty, who passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, at the age of 84.

Raised in Santa Barbara, Anna was a proud Santa Barbarian at heart. She loved her hometown deeply and shared that love with everyone around her.

She would often say that if you came to Santa Barbara and didn’t visit the Mission, then you hadn’t truly been to Santa Barbara. The beauty, culture and spirit of the city remained a constant thread throughout her life.

Anna possessed a remarkable creative mind and devoted her life to the field of graphic design. Over the course of her career, she helped design hundreds of books through Kieran Publishing with her business partner Erin Graffey and inspired and educated thousands of students in the art and craft of design.

Anna’s work reflected both her talent and her deep passion for creativity, and she took great pride in helping others develop their own artistic voices.

Educators like Anna are rare, and her influence extended far beyond the classroom. She inspired many, including her own granddaughter, who followed in her footsteps to become a graphic designer and often collaborated with her on projects.

Anna was deeply devoted to her family. She shared 57 wonderful years of marriage with her beloved husband Roland Lafferty, building a life grounded in partnership, laughter, and enduring love.

From Germany to Connecticut and eventually back to Santa Barbara, they navigated life’s joys and challenges together. Though they came from very different backgrounds, they always found common ground in the love they shared.

She was also a devoted mother and grandmother whose guidance, opinions, humor, and bright smile shaped the lives of those closest to her.

Anna was also an identical twin;  a bond she cherished throughout her life. They grew up in Santa Barbara (SBHS class of 1959).  Their mother Irene Sands, was an accomplished and popular piano teacher, and her father Lester B. Sands was a well known professor at UCSB.

Anna was extremely close to her twin, and they spoke almost daily. In 2024, she designed her twin’s last book, which is dedicated to Anna.

Anna is survived by her husband Roland Lafferty; daughters Margaret Lafferty and Angela Haugh; twin sister Margaret “Peggy Sands” Orchowski; and her grandchildren Destiny and Andrew Rauschhuber and Anna and Sarah Haugh, along with many extended family members and dear friends who will miss her deeply.

Her family will remember her for her sharp mind, creative spirit, and the warmth and strength she brought to every room she entered.

We will miss you deeply, Mom. You were such a force in our family, and your passing has created a void that will never be filled.

Details regarding services will be shared with family and friends at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages those who knew Anna to honor her memory by supporting the arts, encouraging creativity, and taking time to appreciate the beauty of Santa Barbara — just as she always did.