Herta Payson

Groton — Herta Payson, 84, of Groton, formerly of Preston, Noank and New York City, passed away Friday, July 14 2017.

She was born in Oak Park, Ill., in 1933, daughter of Joseph and Lily Payson. She was predeceased by her partner, Betty Walther of Groton.

She was well-known in the area as a psychotherapist and bodyworker, a teacher at Connecticut College, and a weaver and a fabric artist.

Her life was too full for this page, please see the online obituary, and/or visit www. hertapayson.com.

In the ’50s and ’60s in New York City: she danced and choreographed; co-owned “Syzygy for Little B” and costumed on and off-Broadway productions.

Then in Connecticut: she taught and costumed for CC Dept. of Theater; costumed E. O’Neill NTD; member of Mystic Art Assoc., Rhode Island Craftsman Assoc., Rhode Island and Connecticut Weavers’ Guilds.

Professionally: bachelor’s degree in psychotherapy and art; master’s degree in Jungian psychotherapy; opened integrated psychotherapy practice; PhD in psychotherapy and women’s studies. Also: medical hypnotherapist; reiki master; licensed massage therapist; Bach Flower practitioner; craniosacral and zero balancing therapist. She founded the WOW study group; a local CST study group; and published “The Dragon’s Eye, Envisioning Women’s Wisdom.”

Perhaps unsurprisingly, the name Herta means: Of The Earth, which fits well as she thoroughly enjoyed gardening.

Herta is predeceased by her former husband, Elliott Proctor Joslin III; survived by her children, Allen, Rachel and David; grandchildren, Bonnie, April, Jacob and Jenna; and stepgrandchildren, Cullen, Nick and Jamie.

A celebration of life service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 5, 2017, at Noank Baptist Church, Noank. Reception to follow.

Donations of remembrance may be made to Pendle Hill Quaker Study Center, Wallingford, PA 19086.