1946-2023
With sadness, we announce the passing of a beautiful soul, Puja Parsons, at the age of 76 on Feb. 17. Tragically and unexpectedly, she developed an aneurysm of the aorta which she did not survive.
Puja was born to Carol and Kenneth Willert, and was raised in Burbank, Calif., with her sister, Bonnie. In high school, she sang in choirs, acted in school plays and was head cheerleader. Puja then attended Westminister College, Utah, graduating in 1964 with a degree in psychology and philosophy.
In 1967, she spent a wonderful year abroad in Norway, thus beginning her love of travel.
She went on to San Jose State University to do graduate work in clinical and Jungian psychology.
Puja is succeeded by her husband, Udgar Parsons, and her sister, Bonnie Davenport. She was a caring stepmom and grandma to Daven and Dillon Parsons; Heather, Rob, Jade and Erin Adie; and Nick and Jen Parsons, and their sons, Harrison and Avery.
A brilliant woman, Puja was successful in many careers and was the leader of five nonprofit organizations that helped people raise their consciousness and live to their fullest potential. These included music and art therapy, the healing arts, aikido, and sustainable living. She strived to leave this planet a better place for generations to come. For the last 29 years of her career, she was CEO and co-founder of Growing Spaces in Pagosa Springs. The staff shared:
“Puja was the heart and soul of Growing Spaces and her spirit will always live on within the company and within each person whose life she touched. Her love for life and passion for nature was visible to all and she was a true light in the lives of everyone who knew her. From her impeccable sense of style to her vast knowledge and calm demeanor, she will always be one of the most special and beautiful people we know inside and out. She planted seeds of wisdom in all of us and we will continue to grow with them.”
Selling their company in 2018, Puja and Udgar enjoyed five years of retirement together. They traveled extensively, exploring and visiting friends and family all over the world. When not traveling, they lived simply on their land in Pagosa, growing fresh vegetables and beautiful gardens in their greenhouse domes. Puja wrote daily and was writing a book, her dream. She had a true love of the arts, especially poetry, music, dance and photography. She led a deeply spiritual life, was a counselor, author, visionary and steward of the earth. Everywhere she went, she spread light and fairy dust.
Her greatest gift was seeing the highest potential in others and reflecting it in such a sincere loving way, it made everyone in her presence feel special. Her shining heart, deep insight, uplifting humor and zest for life will be missed by all who knew her. She so wanted to see harmony in the world, and thus continues showering peace and blessings upon all.
