Sylvie Potashner, 39

SANDISFIELD, Mass. — Sylvie Potashner, 39, died peacefully on January 30, 2018, with her partner Seth Kershner at her side after a two-and-a-half-year struggle with gallbladder cancer.

Sylvie was born on August 30, 1978, in Montreal and at two weeks of age moved to West Hartford, Conn. She graduated from Simon’s Rock College and The University of Connecticut School of Social Work and trained in craniosacral therapy at the Upledger Institute. She worked at the CHP Family Network and The Kip Rockwell Family Center and had a craniosacral practice.

Sylvie was insistent about recognizing and respecting her own feelings and she dedicated her life to helping others to do the same. She was a rescuer of people and animals and an ardent vegan. 

Sylvie had many natural gifts. She was extraordinarily creative, as an artist, painter, musician, photographer, dancer, creator of crocheted rugs and many other craftworks. Her original children's toys were beloved by her nieces.

In addition to Seth, Sylvie leaves behind her parents, Susan and Steve Potashner; brother, Ira Potashner and his wife, Eva Urtasun Sotil; nieces, Amaia and Eliana Potashner; uncle Michael Caplan and aunts Pearl Caplan and Ronney Hellinger; cousins Leslie Caplan, Amy Grossman and Steven Caplan; Seth’s mother, Barbara Kershner; and many dear friends, especially Vicky Linscott, Farah Kidwai, Kelly Pitts, Anne Thalheimer and Sarah Thornton. There are also her beloved goats Daffer and Anabelle, dog Ginger, and the late goat Daisy and late dog Lucky. 

The family is very thankful for the wonderful care provided by her mother Susan, her partner Seth, and dear friend Vicky Linscott; the helpfulness of Alex Tinari; and the care provided by the staff of the Berkshire Cancer Center and HospiceCare in the Berkshires.

Funeral notice: A memorial service is being planned. Donations may be made to HospiceCare in the Berkshires, Maple Farm Sanctuary, Peaceful Prairie Sanctuary or Goats of Anarchy c/o Finnerty & Stevens Funeral Home, 426 Main St., Great Barrington, MA 01230, who is caring for the arrangements.