Atashnaa “Medicine Shield” Werner, an adventurous, kind, and sensitive woman who found her spiritual home among the natural beauty and people of the mountain communities of Colorado, died on Tuesday, April 9, in Ward, Colorado. She was 73.
Atashnaa chose to participate in the Colorado Medical Assistance in Dying (MAID) program and exit this physical world and pass into a spirit on her terms surrounded by kind and loving people before the rare neuroendocrine cancer that had caused her so much pain took her life. Atashnaa felt blessed to live in Colorado and have that choice. She said that she didn’t want just to exist. That wasn’t living to her. Brave in her final hours, she told her brother: “I’m letting go; I’m at peace.”
Fire Horse, Tiger Girl, Jaguar Heart, Raven Woman … Atashnaa valued simple, uncluttered living, learning from others’ stories, quiet conversation by the fire, the fragrance of the forest, watching the creek flow, moonlight, stars, and nature’s night music.
Until her illness robbed her of her health, Atashnaa was active in Nederland civic groups, including the Nederland Historical Society, Mountain Peak Life Seniors, PROSAB, and Nederland Food Pantry. She also had a passionate interest in promoting elder housing.
Three of her favorite sayings were: Wake up and find out that you are the eyes of the world; Assholes come in all colors; and, May the pure light within you guide you on your way.
On Pine Ridge Oglala Indian Reservation, she directed the Buffalo Heart Project, providing winter heat assistance and clothing to needy families. She participated in the Tunshunka Witco Wiwangi Wacipi (Crazy Horse Sun Dance) outside of Wounded Knee, South Dakota, and moved into a role organizing the community kitchen to feed the people. She carried a canupa wakan (sacred pipe) and followed traditional Lakota values as best she could, aka Chanku Luta (the Red Road). Those who knew her well knew her character, spirit, and heart. That’s all that matters. Hecetu yelo.
Atashnaa “Medicine Shield” Werner was born Marlene Sigelman in Boston, Massachusetts, on December 6, 1950. A true child of the sixties and seventies, she moved west in search of adventure, arriving in Colorado in January 1979. She often said that before that, “who she was, what she did, and how she made her living doesn’t matter.”
It was of significant meaning to Atashnaa that she ended her life just days before the birthday of her beloved late husband, David Werner, on April 13th.
She is survived by her sweet cat companions, Gato and Geo Black Elk, her close friend, Barb Giametta of Chicago, whom she always referred to as her sister, and twin brother Nelson Sigelman and his family of Vineyard Haven, Massachusetts.
Her family wishes to thank TRU Hospice, Dr. Barbara Morris, Leaf Running-rabbit, for opening his home to Atashnaa, Serah, and her son Thomas, and the many people whose care and compassion reflected the best values of the mountain community.
There is no memorial service planned. Please remember Atashnaa in a way that is meaningful to you.
