Betty Heiss

December 23, 2020, in Putnam, CT.

Born in New York City on April 1, 1931, she was the only child of Irving and Dorothy (Marx) Lowenstein. She earned a Bachelor's Degree in art education from New York University and a Master's of Social Work degree from the University of Connecticut.

Throughout her life, Betty was committed to her community. In the late 1960s, she was co-chair of the Mansfield Community Council, a Johnson-era War on Poverty organization created to address the needs of the rural poor. She continued working as a community organizer during the 1970s and was a program developer at various social welfare and mental health organizations. She also established and managed the northeastern Connecticut chapter of Literacy Volunteers.

In the early 1980s, her focus shifted. She undertook training in family therapy and established a private practice with an emphasis on co-dependency and early childhood trauma. In addition to her regular sessions, she conducted many short-term women's groups.

After retiring, she remained active as co-chair of the curriculum committee of CLIR, the Continuing Learning in Retirement program, seeking out speakers with unusual areas of expertise or remarkable personal histories.

Betty studied art in New York during the abstract expressionist period and her artistic accomplishments ranged from watercolor painting, printmaking, and collage to the design of furniture and interiors for her home. She loved color and her understanding of the artistic process made her very receptive to the artistic work of others.

In addition to Bill Hines, her beloved partner of 28 years, she is survived by two daughters, Linda Heiss (Fred Szymanski) of New York City and Gallatin, NY and Elizabeth Heiss (Steve Karlin) of Rhode Island, two grandchildren, Sam Karlin and Amelia Karlin, a sister-in-law, Maxine Hein, and two nieces, Beth Belisle and Vanessa Ahlgren, and their families. Her marriage to Jerry Heiss ended in divorce.

Due to current restrictions, a private burial was held in Sharon Memorial Park (Sharon, MA).

Contributions in Betty's honor may be made to WAIM, the Windham Area Interfaith Ministry (waimct.org).

To leave a note of condolence, please visit www.sugarman-sinai.com