Some words from her partner Richard…
After a long illness, beloved Sophia passed away in our home on August 14th. She transitioned peacefully, surrounded by loved ones. The week leading up to her passing was very moving and full of love, her loved ones gathering each day in her room, being with her and celebrating and remembering her life, her being, and everything she gave.
Among the many gifts she brought to us include being a loving partner, a loving mother and grandmother and sister…writing poetry, cooking wonderful food, creating flower essences and using them to work with people, doing Rosen Method body work, creating bright and beautiful rooms, inquiring into thoughts and beliefs with people, traveling together and exploring the world, loving literature and loving nature.
For a decade and a half, Sophia and I lived and worked at Springwater Center for several months each year. Sophia contributed to the daily life of the Center in countless ways–including supporting me and collaborating with me in ways that are beyond words. And she had a wonderful capacity for engaging and connecting with the people who came to Springwater over the years.
I love you Sophia…profound gratitude…
Some words from her daughter, Millica, written as she sat by her mom’s side, expressing the multifaceted spirit of Sophia’s life in the form of an acrostic poem, spelling out the letters of her name…
Strong – as sturdy as the redwoods outside her window, rooted to ties older than time, a single tree in a forest of family and friends.
Overjoyed – an abundance of feelings washing over, sad, happy, excited, exhausted, always feelings, always changing, fluid like water, in constant movement.
Protective – cautious yet curious, loyal to her inner circle as well as strangers in her path. A guardian of myths and stories, holding a sacred key to past, present and future.
Home – a traveling familiarity with spirit and objects, books, stones, feathers, people and so much more, creating a nest open to all with the skill of ancient wisdom and a hot cup of tea.
Independent – uniqueness in a world of simple…colors bright and vibrant…rainbows shining through crystals…quiet chiming of difference, being courageous to be you.
Adventurous – on the go, winding up, running down, jumping onto land, five feet but never slowing down. Looking, loving, crying, dancing to somewhere … offering her hand to bring you along.
I love you Sophia, my mom!
Some words from Sandra Gonzalez…
Dearest Sophia, as I remember our time together at Springwater, our relationship evolved over time, didn’t it? It has been for me a whole learning journey together, getting to know each other on so many levels, learning to love you as you were at each moment. So rich in texture of events and experiences that left me empty handed, with no words to describe you. How could I? Just the perfume of your passion and love of what felt close to your heart. You, as I knew you, are gone, but that perfume continues to live in the heart of all and everything. In your own words, “Thank you, thank you, thank you……………”
