Courtesy of The Memorial Shield Project – SCA
Sadly, I must report the passing of Countess Salamandra the Whitesmith, also known as Sally Heald.
She had been in hospice care for a few days following a fall on a patch of ice. She will be missed.
Final arrangements are being made and will be passed on when more information is available.
For many of us, Salamandra was a fixture in our Calontir experience. I saw her elevation to the Order of the Laurel at one of my early events, I was there for her reign as Queen of Calontir, and spent many a pleasant hour in her company over the years. She was tough, spicy, and kind. She will be missed. – Mathurin Kerbusso
Salamandra was one of a kind, my Laurel, and I was honored by her friendship for many years. My world was made better by her presence, and is now dimmer with sorrow and loss. – Annalies Grossmund
So very sad to hear of the death of Countess Salamandra. I had the pleasure of speaking with her several times over the years. She liked how I would incorporate vintage kimono silk into my kosode, and the why and how of choosing my materials and altering the fit. She was a weaver and enjoyed discussing fabric details. She also had a wonderful variety of tales from earlier times in Calontir. She was a delightful lady and I shall miss her. – Ki no Kotori
Countess Salamandra the Whitesmith began her Society journey in the Shire of Mag Mor when others urged her to attend a small local event. Not too long after, she moved to the Canton (now Shire) of Crescent Moon to pursue her modern profession. In Crescent Moon, Salamandra encouraged the group’s the group’s young folk – Duke Chrystofer Kensor, Sir Angus of Blackmoor, Mistress Rhianydd Arbeth – just to name a few. In those early days, she often loaded several people into her van and traveled to distant events allowing local folk to know and be known by fellow Calontiri.
In A.S. XXIV (1990), Their Royal Majesties Tomuki and Fionna recognized Salamandra as a Mistress of the Laurel for her decorative metal work.
In A.S. XXX (1996) Count Chrystofer Kensor was victorious in Crown Lists and made Salamandra His Queen. She was an enthusiastic Patroness of the Arts & Sciences. They also traveled to Pennsic and led the Calon army to much glory.
At times after stepping down, Countess Salamandra’s participation in Society events ebbed, but she always maintained her interest in Calontir. Eventually she rekindled her interest in SCA merchanting, offering a variety of wares including gorgeous, beaded jewelry. In 2019 Salamandra moved back to Mag Mor – now a barony. She enjoyed participating in baronial activities and, at the time of her death, was serving as Baronial Minister of Arts & Sciences.
Salamandra never met a person who wasn’t interesting – she might disagree with you, but you were interesting and worthy of encouragement. She loved rocks, cats, horses, books, arts & crafts, and learning new things. She also deeply loved her chosen family. She was talented, funny, and optimistic – as well as stubborn, impulsive, and an inventor of words. We miss her sorely. Her memory will always be a source of encouragement and motivation for those who knew her.
A celebration of Countess Salamandra’s life and our memories of her will be planned for a later date – when we can meet, talk, laugh, and cry face to face. If you want to “do something” sooner, consider donating to a local no-kill pet shelter in her honor. – Isadora of Orange Woode
Sing Non Nobis!
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