On March 1, 2016 at 2:13 pm Petey Stevens Flynn passed away peacefully at home. In her final days, she was surrounded by her family, enveloped by their love.

Petey lived a full life. She was mother to four children: Heather, Solomon, Sarah, and Cassie. She was grandmother to four beautiful grandchildren: Andrew, Grace, Calvin, and Caitlin as well as one soon to be granddaughter- all of whom loved her very much.

She was a wife and soul mate to Norm Flynn. Norm cared for Petey deeply and stood by her side for the many good years they shared through her last moments. He took great care of her and made sure to provide her with her final wishes to be in the comfort of their home, surrounded by her loved ones.

Born Carol Baldwin on February 13, 1944 to Albert Fairchild Baldwin and Carol Renton Baldwin, she was the middle sister to Robert (Bob) and Albert (Alby). Growing up she summered in Sag Harbor, played tennis, discovered a passion for music, and was a debutant. It was at the age of 9 that she decided her given name would not do for the unique life she was meant to lead and she changed her name to Petey.

As a young adult, Petey was a stewardess for Northeast Airlines, which allowed her to see the world and helped her discover a desire for independence and freedom, which she would seek throughout her life.

Petey had a knack for quickly connecting with everyone she met. She had a way of making people feel “seen” and understood. Even animals seemed to see the light in Petey- birds and butterflies often landed on her outstretched finger.

Petey and her first husband, Robert Walker, were kindred spirits who sought out like-minded people. They helped establish the Orson Welles Cinema in Cambridge, attended Woodstock, and became parents to Heather. The trio moved from Boston to to San Diego where they lived near the beach and quickly adapted to a more relaxed California lifestyle.

A few years later, as a single mother, Petey moved to Berkeley with Heather and they rented a room in a communal house. It was in this house that Petey met Rick Stevens, the man who was to be her second husband; step-dad to Heather, father to Solomon, Sarah, and Cassie. Petey would often say that the years with her young children- full of energy and laughter- were some of her favorite times.

Petey and Rick were both drawn to spiritual energy and founded Heartsong together. Many will recognize a heart with wings as the Heartsong symbol. Through Heartsong, Petey dedicated her life to healing others on a spiritual level. She taught thousands of students to read, ground, and channel energy. Petey’s wish for those who entered Heartsong were simple: “May the wings of your spirit join the heart of your body.” She encouraged her students to take responsibility for their thoughts and actions, honor all beings, listen to their inner voice, and live in the moment. This was her religion.

Petey published two books to help guide people through this life, both in and out of Heartsong: Opening Up to Your Psychic Self, and What is Your Psi-Q? She was invited to appear on television and radio across the country. Being given the opportunity to reach so many people with her message would be one of Petey’s greatest legacies.

Although Petey and Rick ended their marriage and professional partnership, they developed a lifelong friendship as co-parents to their children.

Petey ran Heartsong on her own for a number of years. It was in this phase of her life that she fell in love with and married Norm Flynn. Norm unconditionally supported Petey’s work and became step-dad to her four children. When they relocated to Mill Valley, Petey remained a spiritual healer beyond the four walls of Heartsong but Petey’s daily focus shifted towards her teenage children. Norm and Petey developed a website for Heartsong so that she could continue her life’s work and stay connected with her community: http://www.heartsongctr.com

Norm provided Petey with the unique kind of companionship, loyalty, patience, and understanding she always longed for. She admired the fortitude with which Norm parented her children, his intelligence, and his sense of humor. Over the next 25 years Petey and Norm spent many days filled with love. In their home, she got much pleasure from her many cats, her garden, and the birds and deer that visited her regularly.

Petey placed the utmost importance on family. Annually, she would travel cross-country to bring her own family to her special place in Long Island. Sharing her parents, brothers, their wives- Carol and Cookie, the beach, and the traditions that she revered bridged Petey’s current life with her childhood. Petey was a vibrant Aunt to Cathy, Kieth, Rob, Amanda, and Betsy. A few times they celebrated “Christmas in July” to rectify the fact that they could not be together during the holidays. The large clan would have nightly family dinners with boisterous conversation, fresh corn picked that day, and Breyer’s ice cream from the well-stocked freezer. Petey loved to beachcomb for jingle shells, play pounce, and watch the sunset over Little Peconic Bay.

One of Petey’s joys was watching her family grow. Petey gained two more sons when Heather married Mike Patterson and Sarah married Andrew Fuentes.

Petey was able to watch Heather raise two children- Andrew and Grace. They loved having sleepovers at their Grammy and Grandpa Norm’s house where they would play with her cats, eat Grammy’s mac and cheese, and watch movies together.

Petey’s son, her “Solly”, followed in her footsteps, as an avid reader living a life filled with channeled creative energy and a shared love of writing. She took great pride in his gentle spirit and kind heart.

In the last two years of her life, it was Petey’s delight to be Grandma to Sarah’s twins- Calvin and Caitlin. Petey always wanted twins herself and finally had them. Although her health had declined, she made it a priority to hold them and indulge them with gifts as often as possible.

In her final months Petey learned that Cassie was pregnant. Petey was able to see sonogram pictures and feel the presence of that baby in her daughter’s womb.

Petey’s last days were filled with the same kind of energy, love, and laughter she so often reminisced about. Petey will always be remembered for her compassion, sense of humor, and free spirit, but most of all, she will be remembered for her warm and loving heart.

A graveside service and inurnment will be held on Thursday, March 10 at 11:00a.m. at Sunset View Cemetery, 101 Colusa Ave., in El Cerrito. A Celebration of Petey’s life will be held at a future time.