India Alden Castle
February 22, 1985 – November 13, 2012
India Castle was born in 1985 in New York City and arrived on Vashon at age 10, attending local schools with her younger brother, Daniel. While in high school, she excelled in debate, competing and winning in several state competitions. Graduating from the SSCC Running Start Program, she transferred to Evergreen State College, where she spent two months in Ireland as part of a cultural learning program.
India was an enthusiastic athlete and became a performing artist at an early age. Her love of acting brought her many parts in Drama Dock shows initiated by director, Lou Hetler, who became an early supporter of India’s natural talent and a personal mentor. While in college she studied film, dance, theater and world history, and was deeply interested in cultural studies. She became proficient in aerial arts under islander Esther Edelman of UMO and was self-taught in Internet technology, a skill she later used to earn tuition and living expenses. India also received certification in Reiki training.
India had a fierce wit, a fine intelligence and a vivid imagination. Her personal radiance lit up the room wherever she went and drew others to her. Her kindness and compassion to anyone in need was boundless. Paradoxically, she had an intense need for privacy, spending hours absorbed in working on organizing her photography files or tending her flower and vegetable gardens.
At age 19, her brother and closest friend, Daniel, age 17, died tragically in an auto accident on the island. She fought to overcome this trauma with the support of her family but its lasting impact and her grief proved to be more than she could manage. In the years to come, coping with this loss became a constant struggle.
Our own sorrow and grief has been eased by the generous outpouring of comfort and support from so many noteworthy islanders who recognized India’s rare talent and grace. Special thanks to Yve Suskind and Bill Moyer of The Backbone Campaign, Esther Edelman of UMO, Janice Randall of Vashon Allied Arts, the Vashon Island Coop musicians and so many dear individual friends who have given so generously in all ways possible. Please visit our online guest book at www.islandfuneral.com.
Paid Obituary.
