Barbara Shultz Redfield, age 81, died at Sloan Kettering Hospital on December 22, 2023.
Born on October 27, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Barbara Hinkley Rodie and Herbert Lloyd Shultz.
She grew up in Kingston, NY and graduated from The Madeira School in 1960 and Bennett College in 1962, where she majored in Japanese studies. Followincollege she traveled to Japan with the Experiment in International Living Program and extended her stay to work as a teacher of English to local educators. Barbara held a variety of jobs including selling advertising for the Hudson River Pilot, a weekly newspaper founded by her father in 1963 and selling real estate in Greenwich, CT in the 1970’s. She worked as a Psychotherapist, practicing in New York City, most heavily in the 80’s & 90’s, impacting many.
Her work and connection to the Institute for Core Energetics and the Pathwork with John Pierrakos was a through-line in her spiritual practice throughout her life, including her influential work with Barbara Brennan, Byron Katie and her workshops involving a replica of the Labyrinth at Chartres Cathedral. A series of Listener Essays which she wrote were broadcast on WAMC in Albany NY.
As a lifelong artist spanning a myriad of mediums, one of her earliest pieces was displayed at the Whitney in NYC. She also had work displayed at the American Visionary Art Museum as a member of the Catskill Crafters.
In addition to her own art, she was passionate about supporting the art of others. She was instrumental in creating awareness of her dear friend, folk artist, Ruby C. Williams and recently loaned 30 paintings by Ms Williams to the American Visionary Art Museum in Baltimore, MD for their current exhibit about visionary artists and their environments.
Barbara was an enthusiastic supporter of the Hudson River Maritime Museum and donated some historic items, including artifacts of the Mary Powell steamship, to the museum.
She was a lifelong member of Winnisook Club, Big Indian, NY where she served as its first female president in 1989. She served on several boards including the Town of Shandaken Planning Board, the Mead School, the Neversink Association, the Phoenicia Library, and the Catskill Center. She was a founding trustee of Olana, the home of Hudson River painter Frederick Church.
She is survived by her two daughters: Barbara Hamblett and husband, John of Eliot, ME and Anne Arthur Lightbody of Hollowville, NY. She is also survived by her two grandsons: Willy and Silas Hamblett; two siblings: Herbert L Shultz Jr and wife Cynthia of Schenectady and Anne R. Shultz of Kingston; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins and other extended family members.
A celebration of her life will be held in the Catskill area at the beginning of the year. Please check back with Keyser Funeral Home in Kingston, NY when details become available. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Hudson River Maritime Museum, 50 Rondout Landing, Kingston, NY 12401, or to a charity of your choice.
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