Last December, The Light published a story
featuring former Bolinas resident Dr. Silena Heron, her four-year struggle
with cancer, and the financial toll her illness had taken. Around the
same time, a program broadcast on KWMR radio discussed the same issue.
As a result, several West Marin residents stepped forward to offer Dr.
Heron support. Contributions from one special donor in particular allowed
her to live in greater comfort.
Silena Heron, 58, died on Oct. 15, in Sedona, Arizona,
of complications from ovarian cancer.
Macramé playground
Born in New York in 1947, and named Nancy Feldman,
she lived in West Marin in the 70s and 80s, then known as Nancy Denmark.
A weaver, she became the first apprentice at the Baulinas Craft Guild.
She opened a studio near Duxbury Reef, taught weaving, and created a
macramé playground on Elm Avenue.
In 1976 she began practicing as an herbalist, teaching
classes and leading walks in Inverness, pointing out local flora suitable
for consumption as food and medicine. During this time, she changed
her name from Nancy Denmark to Silena Heron.
Became naturopathic physician
She left West Marin to attend Bastyr University near
Seattle, graduating as a naturopathic physician (ND) and herbalist.
At Bastyr she became the first to occupy the chair of botanical medicine.
In 1990 she moved to Sedona.
She is survived by her 20-year-old son, Paige.
Friends suggest that any memorial contributions be
made to the Conscious Alliance, attn: Justin Levy, 903 Summit St., Barrington,
IL 60010.