Reader: City Lost Humanitarian in Psychic Laura Cartwright

To the Editor:

This week Middletown lost a stellar resident and many of us a true friend in the abrupt passing of Laura Cartwright.

Laura was a humanitarian to say the very least. She was a mother of two, a psychic medium, a certified deaf interpreter, a teacher who taught at , a EMS first responder, a professional figure skater, co-founder of PACC, the Paranormal Association of Central Connecticut, and a true lover of life and spirit.

I met Laura in 2010 at the Guided Lantern Tour that was held at Indian Hill Cemetery as a fundraiser for Godfrey Library and the cemetery association. I went to do an article for the Middletown Eye, but as a result became fascinated with her, her group, and the sense of community amongst the paranormal investigator lifestyle.

Last year, Laura and her daughter won awards at New England Paranormal Awards for their community out reach. Laura led multiple charitable investigations at historic places such as the Deep River Library to benefit the foundations caring for these properties as well as develop investigations for those in the deaf community so that for the first time, they could participate.

Laura inspired many to reach out to people unlike them and incorporate them in their worlds as equals.

Laura would have been too polite to say it, so I will. Laura and her family were victims of retaliation, mistreatment, and harassment caused by the last administration of the Middletown Public School system, particularity special education. She was grateful for the changes on the horizon, but I think if she were still here she would agree that much more is needed.

I witnessed that her and her family were treated horribly by DCF of CT and our own local Middletown authorities at the Board of Education whom both caused her unjust heartache. Laura had begun to rally along side other local parents to fight for the proper treatment of their children.

For the record, however, Laura should not be remembered as a victim, because she wasn't. Laura should be remembered as fighter and a champion in regards to all aspects of her life.

When I met Laura and her group, I was a non-believer in life after death.  Laura's belief was that every one is sensitive, and she taught me to be patient and listen, because our deceased loved ones are all around us.

For me, this has made coping with the recent deaths of close relatives easier, because now I know and have been able to experience that they are still with me. This is a lesson I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Friends of Laura will miss her forever, and our thoughts and prayers are with her and her family.

For information on a radio show memorial for Laura, see the Patch article

Molly Salafia, Middletown